IPL 2017: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Lions, 5 Talking Points

#3 Preferring overseas batsmen ahead of overseas bowlers is costing the Gujarat Lions

James Faulkner wasn’t part of Gujarat Lions’ starting XI last night

The absence of Ravindra Jadeja is a huge blow for the Gujarat Lions’ bowling department which has been nothing but poor. They have a few quality Indian pacers in Praveen Kumar and Dhawal Kulkarni, who have a lot of IPL experience, but the Lions have two quality overseas bowlers in Andrew Tye and James Faulkner who should be given an opportunity.

Both Faulkner and Tye are capable of bowling well in the death with the former having a lot of experience in the IPL. However, the Gujarat Lions have opted to play four batsmen as their overseas players.

Instead, they could opt for Faulkner and Tye or, at least Faulkner, ahead of one batsman; with Faulkner, the Lions not only get a seasoned bowler but also someone who can chip in with a few quick runs in the death overs.