What’s the story?
It has been revealed that Tamil Nadu’s slow left-arm spinner Rahil Shah and Mumbai’s leg spinner Ankit Soni have attended a trial with Gujarat Lions at the SCA stadium in Rajkot ahead of their game against Rising Pune Supergiant. Sources close to both the franchise and the TN spinner have confirmed the development and conceded that the spinner has already attended a trial.
In case you didn’t know...
Gujarat Lions are currently in the bottom of the 2017 IPL table and are yet to register a win in their first two matches. Bowling has been a worry for Suresh Raina and co. as they have picked just one wicket in those two matches.
Gujarat are already missing the services of their strike bowlers Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja as they are ruled out of a part of the tournament due to injuries. Bravo hurt his hamstring during the 2017 Big Bash League and has been out of action since. It has been confirmed that he is set to miss the first part of the tournament in spite of currently being in India to receive medical attention under the Gujarat Lions’ doctors.
On the other hand, Jadeja has been advised two weeks rest by the BCCI due to a finger injury he sustained after the long home season. During their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Lions’ captain Suresh Raina and coach Brad Hodge hinted that he could be a part of the playing XI for their next match. Jadeja has already joined the squad in Rajkot and it is still unclear whether he will be a part of the team for their third match or not.
Extra cover: Brad Hodge confirms Ravindra Jadeja's availability for Gujarat Lions' next match
Details
The reason behind the trial is yet to be known but there are chances that some local bowler in the Gujarat squad (believed to be Shivil Kaushik) might have suffered an injury that could rule him out of the tournament. Gujarat desperately needs a change in fortune especially in the bowling department as their bowlers look completely out of sorts.
Both Rahil and Ankit had a base price of 1,00,0000 INR and went unsold in the 2017 IPL auction. Rahil has been an integral part of the Tamil Nadu team for a while and played a key role in their triumph in the 2017 Vijay Hazare trophy and Deodhar trophy. Ankit is yet to make his debut for Mumbai and has made a case for himself with his performances in the Mumbai’s domestic cricket leagues.
You can watch what Rahil Shah is capable of here.
What’s next?
Gujarat Lions host Rising Pune Supergiant in their third game of the season on April 14.
Also read: Rising Pune Supergiant's probable playing XI against Gujarat Lions
Author’s Take
The addition of either Rahil Shah or Ankit Soni could be a welcome move for them as their depth in the spin department is too weak. It won’t be a surprise if the new player is directly drafted into the playing XI to face Pune.
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