Knight Riders look to avenge defeat

Gujarat Lions were the table-toppers at the end of the league stage in the last IPL, but finished third after defeats in the two Qualifiers against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad. But this time around, the Suresh Raina-led side would look to go one step up in only their second season of the IPL. 

Gujarat Lions boost of a robust batting line-up and were the only team last year to score 70 or more in the powerplay. Five of Gujarat Lions batsmen Raina, Aaron Finch, Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith, were among runs in the last IPL. They also have the likes of Jason Roy and in-form Dinesh Karthik in their ranks. Having defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in both home and away games in the previous season, Gujarat Lions also enjoy a psychological advantage over them.

On the bowling front, Gujarat Lions have an effective new-ball pair in Dhawal Kulkarni and Praveen Kumar. Lions coach Brad Hodge is wary of Kolkata’s potential. “Kolkata Knight Riders is a very dangerous side having players like Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Manish Pandey...all are very good players. They have got skillful bowlers in Sunil Narine, Kuldeep Yadav and Umesh Yadav,” Hodge said. “I’m sure Kolkata Knight Riders will be looking to bounce back.”

Kulkarni’s 14 wickets in the powerplay were the most for any bowler in 2016, and he combined well with Praveen. But Gujarat Lions will miss two of their key players Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo. While Bravo is out due to injury, Jadeja will sit out of the first few games after a long Test season. 

Another factor which will be in the mind of the Lions going into IPL 2017 is how to win while batting first. Gujarat Lions had lost five out of six matches, including two Qualifiers while batting first last year.