After an inconsistent start to the ongoing edition of Indian a premier League, Gujarat Lions are in serious trouble as they are languishing at the bottom of the table.
Moreover, they were dealt another massive blow earlier this week when Dwayne Bravo was ruled out of the season. But the management were quick to rope in Irfan Pathan who looks like an excellent replacement.
Gujarat Lions, who qualified to playoffs last season, are finding it hard to replicate a similar performance as they find the right balance in their team despite the arrival of Ravindra Jadeja last week.
They are set to face Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday who are also in a similar situation at the moment and the battle looks to be an interesting one in Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Previous Encounters:
Both Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions have locked horns three times so far and the men from Bangalore have come out on top on all the three occasions.
Gujarat will be hoping to change the equation this time as they eye for their first win against RCB.
Recent Form:
RCB: L L W L N
GL: W L L W L
Talking Points:
Gujarat Lions’ major concern has been their bowling which has not clicked yet this season. The batting has also failed at times as they are yet to play to their fullest potential this season.
However, Lions can take a lot of positives from their victory against Kolkata Knight Riders where they have clicked in all departments to clinch a memorable victory.
Predicted XI
Gujarat Lions could make some massive changes to their team as they look for the balance in their starting lineup.
The addition of Irfan Pathan could prove to be a massive boost for the Lions as he is a proven quality all-rounder that the side has been missing this season.
Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina, Aaron Finch, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Irfan Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja, Basil Thampi, Andrew Tye, Ishan Kishan, Dhawal Kulkarni.