Languishing at the bottom of the latest Indian Premier League (IPL) points table, Gujarat Lions (GL) have got some respite in the latest news that ace all-rounder Ravinder Jadeja is set to play tomorrow’s match against the Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS). The southpaw is in a spectacular form with both bat and ball for the last few months; his inclusion in the side could be a turning point for Gujarat’s fortune this IPL season.
IPL 2017: Gujarat Lions (GL) vs Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) – Preview #IPL
Gujarat Lions (Lions) finished at third spot last IPL season displaying fabulous performance in their debut IPL tournament but the same isn’t holding true this time. Raina-led Lions swallowed two back to back defeats against KKR and SRH. Unless, they perform miraculously in the next few matches, the road to IPL play-offs seems end for them.
Also Read: IPL 2017: Top 5 Live Streaming and Online Cricket Score Apps #IPL
GL need to win tomorrow’s match under any circumstances or else it will be a hat-trick loss for them. Jadeja is expected to save his team out from this precarious situation with his quality left-arm bowling and destructive batting down the order. Jadeja missed the IPL’s first few matches since he was advised two-weeks rest by BCCI’s medical team following an onerous Border-Gavaskar trophy.
Team News for Gujarat Lions (GL)
Also, the fitness of star West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is good news for the entire team. He took part in the practice session and might play Friday’s match too. All that Gujarat needs right at this moment is a pinch of self-inspiration and confidence.
The team already has a fiery batting combination of Brendon McCullum, Jason Roy, Finch, Raina and D Karthik, but constant failure of the opening pair to provide a good start is certainly disappointing for Captain Raina. Openers Finch and McCullum have completely failed this season. They scored a garnered only 58 runs in total until now – surely an upsetting trend.
Also Read: VIVO IPL 2017: Broadcasting TV channel and digital streaming list
However, the like of Roy, Raina and Karthik are in good form, and they can really accelerate the innings run-rate whenever the team needs so. But one area that Gujarat really needs improvement is its bowling department.
Veteran fast bowler Praveen Kumar is bowling well from one side but lacks a good bowling partner from the other end. It is high time Munaf Patel should be brought back to the side. With the presence of the Aussie all-rounder James Faulkner, Lions could then have a troika of pace attack in Munaf, Praveen and Faulkner. While Jadeja and Tejas Baroka will manage the GL’s spin attack.
Team News for Rising Pune Superiant (RPS)
For the mighty RPS (Rising Pune Supergiant), all that they need is a couple of wins and good fights. The team looks absolutely fantastic on paper. They have quality match winners and all-rounders in the team. Both RPS openers Rahane and Manish Agarwal are in good form.
They have the world’s best middle order in Steven Smith, Ben Stokes, Manoj Tiwary and MS Dhoni. If couple of these players get back to rhythm then it will difficult for the Lions to make a comeback in tomorrow’s game. In bowling, all eyes will be towards Tahir’s exceptional leg-break bowling. Smith also wants some fantastic bowling from Dinda and Stokes.
Predicted Playing (Both Teams)
Gujarat Lions (GL): Suresh Raina (Captain), James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Praveen Kumar, Shivil Kaushik, Brendon McCullum, Munaf Patel, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja and Andrew Tye.
Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS): Steve Smith (Captain), Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane, Ashok Dinda, Ben Stokes, Manoj Tiwary, MS Dhoni (Wicketkeeper), Deepak Chahar, Daniel Christian, Rajat Bhatia and Faf du Plessis.
Also Read: IPL 2017: Complete fixtures, schedule and time in IST with venue details
Prediction: Gujarat Lions (GL) will win.
Venue: The match will telecast live from Rajkot at 8PM.
Tags: #IPL, GL, Gujarat Lions, Indian Premier League, IPL 10, IPL 2017, Rising Pune Supergiant, RPS, VIVO IPL
