IPL 2016, GL vs MI Playing 11: Probable XI for Gujarat Lions and Mumbai Indians

Suresh Raina has shown some excellent leadership skills in this IPL

The Green Park Stadium in Kanpur will enjoy an electrifying battle between Gujarat Lions and Mumbai Indians in the 54th match of the VIVO IPL 2016. The Lions are enjoying a fantastic debut IPL season with 8 victories in 13 matches and have all but made it to the playoffs. Defending champions Mumbai, however, are still unsure about whether they will make it to the final four and must win their last match to be eligible for the playoff stage. GL have been among the more consistent sides in the 2016 IPL and have played some great cricket so far. MI, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency and have often faltered at crucial junctures in the tournament. It is expected to be a tight game as both teams will be aiming for a victory. 

Here's how Gujarat Lions may line up for the match:

Batting

The Gujarat Lions have produced the most all-round batting performance among all teams playing in the IPL with almost all their batsmen delivering the goods. Aaron Finch has been in terrific form in the tournament and is their highest run-getter with 339 runs at an average of over 48. Skipper Suresh Raina also has the same run tally but has a lower average than that of Finch.

Openers Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith have both scored over 200 runs in the 2016 IPL and have given their team some blistering starts. Dinesh Karthik, too, has been consistent with 280 runs in his kitty including 3 half-centuries.

All-rounders

The two primary all-rounders who have played on a regular basis for GL in the current IPL are Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja. Although they have both done their job with the ball, they have been struggling to click with the bat. Another all-rounder James Faulkner has played just 7 matches this season.

Bowling

Bravo has been the leading wicket-taker for Gujarat with 13 wickets from 12 matches. Seamer Dhawal Kulkarni has been in very good form and has managed to claim 10 wickets so far at an economy of under 8. Praveen Kumar also seems to have rediscovered his form and has claimed 7 wickets including a match-winning performance.

Dwayne Smith came good with the ball in the team's previous match against KKR and delivered excellent figures of 4 for 8 to demolish the opposition batting line-up. The spinners have done quite well, too, with Jadeja, Pravin Tambe and Shivil Kaushik all picking up wickets for the Gujarat Lions.

Probable Playing XI

Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Aaron Finch, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Eklavya Dwivedi, Praveen Kumar, Pravin Tambe, Dhawal Kulkarni.