By all means, it will be a huge challenge for Gujarat, which failed to qualify for the play-offs last season having just won five out of the 14 league games to finish eighth on the points table
Hyderabad: It might not be understatement to stress that the classy Shubman Gill , who will be leading Gujarat Titans, and Jos Buttler at the top in batting and the vice-captain and one of the most feared leg-spinners, Rashid Khan of Afghanistan, might hold the key to the fortunes of the team in the IPL season starting on March 22.
England’s explosive batter Jos Buttler is expected to ensure great starts in the company of his captain at the top.
Then, in batting Gujarat has the likes of Glenn Phillips, the consistent Sai Sudharsan, middle-order batter Sherfane Rutherford, Rahul Tewatia and Anuj Rawat and the big-hitting M. Shahrukh Khan. Definitely, players who have skills to shine on a given day but all depends on how consistent they will be when given the opportunity.
In bowling, Gujarat seems to have great balance with the fiery Mohammed Siraj, South Africans Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee and Prasidh Krishna and the experienced Ishant Sharma as the fast bowling options and all-rounders Washington Sundar, Mahipal Lomror giving the think-tank quite a few options depending on the playing conditions on a given day.
There is no doubt Gujarat seems to be a perfect blend of youth and experience as it aims for the second IPL title.
By all means, it will be a huge challenge for Gujarat, which failed to qualify for the play-offs last season having just won five out of the 14 league games to finish eighth on the points table.
But, if it translates the immense potential into performances, Gujarat cannot be a push-over for any opposition as there is the fire-power in batting and depth in bowling.
Like for any team aiming to be a champion outfit, Gujarat too needs to be really consistent to be a force to reckon with and make amends this season.
