Ravindra Jadeja set to return to squad in Gujarat Lions' next game

One of the most awaited returns from injury was of the No. 1 ranked Test bowler, Ravindra Jadeja. He will finally return to play his first IPL game of this season in Gujarat Lions’ next game which is scheduled for April 14 against Rising Pune Supergiant.

This is the only bright spot in an otherwise grim campaign for Gujarat Lions so far this season. They succumbed to their second defeat, in as many games, as they lost to a one-sided contest against defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday evening.

Brad Hodge, the coach of Gujarat, confirmed the news and said, “Not sure of Bravo’s availability but Jadeja will be back next game. We tried to go in with guys who we thought would make an impact. It hasn’t worked but there’s plenty of time for us to get things right,” he said.

Gujarat were never in the competition today, as they put just 135 runs on the board which was a below par score at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. They did better in their first game though, but their thin bowling resources couldn’t defend 185 runs against KKR. Gujarat Lions skipper Suresh Raina missed the services of Ravindra Jadeja as Chris Lynn and Gautam Gambhir whacked his bowlers all around the park.

Jadeja will also be a handy addition to their batting order. Being a left-handed batsman, Jadeja can tackle the umpteen numbers of left-arm as well as leg-spinners going around in the IPL.

He has been in decent form with the bat too as he contributed with some crucial knocks for the Indian Test side in the recent past. Being a three-dimensional player – batsman, bowler and an excellent fielder – Jadeja’s return will lift the Gujarat Lions set-up.

Another crucial member of the team, Dwayne Bravo’s return is still not clear as the star West Indies all-rounder is nursing a hamstring injury. Once Bravo returns, Lions will be a strong team.

Gujarat Lions need to get on the points table as quickly as possible. The last year’s table toppers wouldn’t want to lag behind too much in the beginning for they will be left with too much to do towards the end of the league.