IPL 2016 KKR vs GL Playing 11: Today’s Probable XI for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Lions

Faulkner may miss out for the GL

Gujarat Lions

Batsmen: The fiery opening pair of McCullum and Smith have misfired in the last three games for Gujarat Lions and the dip in form of the opening pair seemed to have hurt the Gujarat’s winning momentum. Given the quality of these two, they are likely to continue with roles of opening the batting for the Lions and Raina will hope that they fire against Kolkata.

Next to the batting crease is the Gujarat captain himself and Raina, who hadn’t been at his very best with the bat this season will look for a big score against the Knight Riders. Aaron Finch, was the only silver lining in a very dismal batting display against the Sunrisers scoring 51 not out and Gujarat will have their hopes pinned on the Aussie for another great innings. Dinesh Karthik, the wicket keeper with his wealth of experience has been handy with the bat and will look come good at Eden Gardens.

All-Rounders: With the likes of Faulkner, Bravo, and Jadeja. Gujarat has probably the best set of all-rounders. Faulkner might miss out against the Knight Riders, Jadeja and Bravo are likely to start. While Bravo has been pretty good with the ball in his hand he is yet to fire with the bat and that will be a concern for the Gujarat management.

Jadeja has been very mediocre with both bat and ball this IPL and will look to be at his very best against the Knights. The Eden pitch has always favoured the spinners and Jadeja will come in handy with his slow left-arm orthodox spin.

Bowlers: Praveen Kumar has been very economical with the ball, but it is his wickets column that has been the concern, the pacer has only picked up 3 wickets in 10 games. Dhawal Kulkarni is likely to partner him and the Mumbai-based medium pacer will partner Praveen Kumar with the new ball.

Given the tendency of the Eden pitch to turn, Pravin Tambe or Sarabjit Ladda might be preferred over Pradeep Sangwan to partner Shivil Kaushik. Among the two it is more likely for Tambe to make a comeback in the playing 11 for Gujarat against the Knight Riders

Probable Playing 11: Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Smith, Suresh Raina (C), Aaron Finch, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Praveen Kumar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Shivil Kaushik, Pravin Tambe.