IPL 2017: Keshav Bansal gives update on Jadeja and Bravo's availability
What’s the story?
Gujarat Lions will begin IPL 2017 without two key all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo. Gujarat Lions owner Keshav Bansal admitted that barring those two, the franchise have a fully-fit squad to choose from ahead of their opening game against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 7.
The West Indian all-rounder underwent surgery after the BBL and Jadeja, who was an integral part of India’s home season was also expected to miss a couple of weeks to recover full fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy in June.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, Keshav Bansal said: “Bravo had a hamstring injury a couple of months back and he is still recovering. He will be coming to Rajkot in the next seven days and we have deployed a dedicated fitness trainer for his recovery but he will most likely be missing the first leg of the IPL. Ravindra Jadeja has been rested for the first two weeks. He has some concerns about his finger.”
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The Context
The West Indian all-rounder injured himself playing for Melbourne Renegades against Perth Scorchers in the BBL clash, following which he needed surgery that ruled him out of not just the remainder of the competition but out of PSL 2017 as well. Jadeja had issues with his spinning finger with the BCCI advising two weeks rest for the all-rounder.
The Details
The Gujarat Lions owner admitted that the players are hungry as they look to claim their maiden IPL title in the tenth edition of the tournament. Although they will be without the services of two key all-rounders, they still have plenty of depth.
In the pace bowling department, where they have the likes of Dhawal Kulkarni, Praveen Kumar and new recruits in Manpreet Gony and Munaf Patel. As far as spinners are concerned, they have Shivil Kaushik, Shadab Jakati and Shubham Agarwal to take over in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja.
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What’s next?
The tenth edition of the IPL begins on April 5th while the Gujarat Lions begin their campaign on April 7th with a home game against Kolkata Knight Riders. They will be hoping to have a good start and being a position of strength before their star all-rounders make it into the side.
Author’s Take
Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo were two key bowlers for Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016 and they will be a huge loss. But they do have strength in depth as far as the fast bowling department is concerned while they will be hoping that an in-form Jadeja makes it back at full strength before too long.