Spinners have made life difficult for batsmen in this IPL. The tracks in the summer months are favouring slow bowlers with skill and patience to test the strokeplayers.
For Gujarat Lions, Ravindra Jadeja and the experienced Shadab Jakati have the necessary skills to curb the ambitions of the visiting Rising Pune Supergiant’s big-hitters in Friday’s night game.
South African Imran Tahir has already served notice of his intentions, in three appearances. Twenty20 is supposed to be loaded in favour of batsmen with powerful arms. Tahir claimed six wickets in 12 overs of leg-spin so far and is eager to add more. His dash to celebrate each wicket is distinctive and reflects his competitive nature after being ignored in the players’ auction.
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Adam Zampa was his partner in a double-spin act in two home ties. The Aussie, match-winner last season for the same side, is slipping into the groove. The wicket of century-maker Sanju Samson in the previous game showed his capacity to withstand punishment and keep wheeling away. RPS’ array of explosive batsmen has been below-par, resulting in two consecutive defeats.
More options
Jadeja trained with the squad and is fit to play, informed Lions’ bowling coach Heath Streak. “Jadeja’s availability gives us more selection options. He is a quality bowler and more than a handy batsman, as seen in the series against Australia.”
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The team’s bowling has lacked the bite. “We focused on containment and building up pressure. Unlike other sides, we did not have pacers or spinners to be used in PowerPlays,” he added.
Four overs each by Jadeja, Jakati, Tahir or Zampa can alter the course of this contest under lights at the Khanderi’s SCA Stadium.
Two losses from two appearances does not reflect well on Suresh Raina’s leadership, nor does the result do justice to the reputations of players like Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum or Aaron Finch, known to win games on their day. Raina’s unbeaten 68 against Kolkata Knight Riders, supported by a rapid 45 from Dinesh Karthik, were glimpses of the form fans expect from their heroes. Lions will bank on Jadeja and a vastly-experienced Jakati to subdue RPS heavyweights Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane, M.S. Dhoni and Ben Stokes.
Smith is back in charge of Supergiant after missing a tie due to illness. Asked about the effect of Jadeja’s return, the Aussie said: “He is a quality player and we know what to expect.”
The RPS skipper felt it was too early to debate on team form — two straight defeats followed an easy win over Mumbai Indians.
“Disappointed with the last match. Our team played only three matches, so not worried.”
Teams (from):
Gujarat Lions: Suresh Raina (capt), Akshadeep Nath, Shubham Agarwal, Basil Thampi, Dwayne Bravo, Chirag Suri, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Manpreet Gony, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Shadab Jakati, Dhaval Kulkarni, Dinesh Karthik, Praveen Kumar, Shivil Kaushik, Brandon McCullum, Munaf Patel, Pratham Singh, Jason Roy, Pradeep Sangwan, Jaydev Shah, Shelly Shaurya, Nathusingh, Dwayne Smith, Tejas Baroka, Andre Tye.
Rising Pune Supergiant: Steve Smith (capt), Faf du Plessis, Adam Zampa, Usman Khawja, M S Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane, Ashok Dinda, Ankus Bains, Rajat Bhatia, Ankit Sharma, Ishwar Pandey, Jaskarn Singh, Baba Aparajith, Deepak Chahar, Mayank AgarwalPTI VJA SSC ATK 04131242