IPL 2017: Squad strengths, weakness and prediction

Gujarat Lions

Suresh Raina is the Lions’ star Indian batsman

The debutants surprised everyone in 2016 by finishing at the top of the league table last year. However, Gujarat Lions’ strategy during this year’s auction was bemusing, to say the least. They needed an overseas fast bowler as a backup to the only one they have – Andrew Tye, but picked none. A leg-spinner to replace Pravin Tambe or an off-spinner to add variety was another gap which they had to plug and they went with a little-known spinner in Tejas Baroka.

Strengths: The Lions’ strength is their explosive top order of Jason Roy, Brendon McCullum, Dwyane Smith and Aaron Finch, though only two out of these four may figure in the final XI. Suresh Raina at No. 3, the most capped player in IPL history, and an exciting young player in Ishan Kishan would add some spice in the middle order. Jadeja, Bravo and Faulkner will provide all round balance to the side.

Weakness: A weak middle order and a dearth of Indian bowling talent barring Ravindra Jadeja is an area of concern for the Gujarat Lions. To cover up for these inadequacies, it’s the top order which will have to score heavily. They also don’t have any local Indian batsman of note outside of their first XI and will struggle if one of their first choice batsman is out of form.

Prediction: A spot in top four looks tough in 2017.