IPL 2017: Gujarat Lions (GL) Predicted XI

LOWER MIDDLE ORDERIshan Kishan

One of the most exciting youngsters to be currently playing domestic cricket in India, Ishan Kishan has managed to etch a name for himself after leading India in the U-19 World Cup last year. A stylish left-handed batsman, Kishan has been earmarked for future greatness because of his level-headed batting and attacking instincts.

Last year, he was tried out by the Lions for a few games, but looked undercooked for the platform. After a strong Ranji season, and having played under MS Dhoni in the domestic limited-overs tournaments, a much more evolved Kishan can bring a lot more to the table for Lions.

You can read his recent interaction with Sportskeeda here.

James Faulkner

The feisty Australian is a welcome addition to any T20 side for the sheer variety and balance that he offers. A left-arm pacer with good control over his slower balls and cutters, Faulkner can clog the flow of runs in the middle and death overs with his canny variations. Add to that his ferocious batting, and you have an all-around star who can be a vital piece.

The unflappable Aussie has changed teams regularly since joining IPL in 2011, but has been retained by the Lions despite a poor showing in 2016, one which saw him pick just two wickets from seven games.