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Gujarat Lions are one of the two new franchises in Indian Premier League’s ninth edition which is beginning from 8 April with an opening ceremony and first match to be played on 9 April. Suresh Raina will be leading the Gujarat Lions in 2016 IPL championship.

There are some terrific cricketers in the Gujarat Lions team who can turn game at any moment. Let’s have a look at the probable playing XI for GL in 9th season.

Top Order

There are several options for team management and Suresh Raina for opening slot. Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch and Dwayne Smith are some of the best option to open the innings. But due to IPL rules only 4 foreign players can be a part of playing 11, hence we can expect McCullum and Finch to open the innings. Skipper Suresh Raina will be batting at number 3 position.

Middle Order

India’s under-19 cricket team captain Ishan Kishan will be playing in the middle order along side wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik. All-rounders Dwayne Bravo, James Faulkner and Ravindra Jadeja will be the key batsmen in the last overs of inning as they have got capability to score runs at good pace.

Bowlers

As Gujarat Lions are having several all-rounders, they’ll be depending on them. James Faullkner, Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja will be crucial bowlers in the side. Praveen Kumar and Dhawal Kulkarni will also play big part in the bowling for Gujarat. Pravin Tambe will also be helpful for GL and will be a good bowling partner for Ravindra Jadeja.

Probable Gujarat Lions Playing XI

1. Suresh Raina (Captain)
2. Brendon McCullum
3. Aaron Finch
4. Ishan Kishan
5. Dinesh Karthik
6. Ravindra Jadeja
7. Dwayne Bravo
8. James Faulkner
9. Praveen Kumar
10. Pravin Tambe
11. Dhawal Kulkarni

What do you think about Gujarat Lions chances in Vivo IPL 2016? Will Gujarat win Indian Premier Trophy in their first ever IPL edition?