IPL 2017 Player battles: Top 4 player encounters to look for in the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Lions match
With the Sunrisers Hyderabad hitting the ground running in the opening encounter of IPL 2017, and the Gujarat Lions facing an uphill task after an embarrassing home defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders, the situation in both the camps could not be any more different.
While the current holders will look to extend their winning run in a bid to defend the IPL title, Gujarat Lions will need to pull up their socks and put up a much better performance than their last game.
Extra Cover: IPL 2017 SRH vs GL: Gujarat Lions (GL) Probable playing 11 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Despite reaching the knockout stages last year, the Gujarat Lions lost both their games to end the tournament on a sour note. Missing all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja in their opening game, the Lions suffered as their score was easily overcome by Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn, who were in devastating touch.
Still, with power hitters such as Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith in the ranks, Gujarat Lions have the staffing to bounce back from a bad start.
#1 Brendon McCullum vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
This will be a battle to watch out for. One of the legends of T20 cricket facing up to last year’s purple cap holder. While Brendon McCullum might have retired from international cricket, he can still easily produce a devastating innings against any opposition.
McCullum scored 35 runs off 24 balls in Gujarat’s first match and will be hoping to give his side a better start this time around. The Sunrisers might want to pit him against the swing of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. After a disappointing loss at Rajkot, the Kiwi might want to take on the medium pace of Bhuvi.