The newly launched franchise in Indian Premier League, Rajkot have announced official team name “Gujarat Lions“. India’s middle order batsman Suresh Raina is appointed the skipper of team Gujarat and Australian Brad Hodge is named the coach.

Intex CEO Mr. Keshav Bansal owns the Gujarat Lions franchise and according him the team name was chosen after the poll on social media in which fans voted high to Gujarat Lions name. Hence they decided to name Rajkot franchise to “Gujarat Lions”.

Mr. Bansal said, “The team name was chosen after a poll on social media where Gujarat Lions was the most voted name. Our home ground will be Rajkot. We are in talks with Gujarat government and may come up with an academy there.”

The team name and logo was announced officially in an event at Delhi. IPL also welcomes the new franchise in the tournament by welcoming team on official twitter handle.

Welcome to the family – Gujarat Lions #GL #IPL – @TheGujaratLions pic.twitter.com/GO0TADUAsK

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) February 2, 2016

Suresh Raina will be seen in a new role in IPL for the first time as he’ll be leading the side full time for the first season. He was a part of Chennai Super Kings from the first edition of IPL in 2008.

Raina said, “I and Dhoni talked in Australia how we will be in different teams, but it will be fun. Imagine, Jadeja celebrating Dhoni’s dismissal (laughs). I and Dhoni played a few finals together. It will be a challenge to stop Dhoni play helicopter shot.”

“I am excited about the auction and will sit with team coach and owner to decide on the players,” Raina added.

Currently Gujarat Lions franchise is for two years 2016 and 2017. Team’s fate will be decided after 10th edition of cash rich tournament as two years ban will be removed from Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.