The last time these two sides faced each other, Nitish Rana found himself at the helm of things. A young Delhi batsman, who had made a name for himself in the domestic circuit for his powerful hitting, was now leading a side full of world class stroke makers to victory, and that too single handedly. He has cemented his place as the number 3 batsman for Mumbai, keeping Rohit Sharma away from the top order, something that he’ll be extremely proud about.
Gujarat Lions have undergone a major makeover since that loss, investing a little in their bowling to balance their team out. Lions were wasteful in the auction, not opting for any word class T20 bowler and bringing in Jason Roy instead, despite having so much firepower up top. Half the season has passed and they have just about found their best combination. The IPL can be won only by teams who figure out their best combination in the first 4 games.
Irfan Pathan’s inclusion could provide them with some much needed balance. But they absolutely need to get rid of Faulkner as he provides no value addition to their side.
Mumbai would welcome Ambati Rayudu, who has recovered from his injury, but I don’t think he’ll be drafted into the XI at this point because of the winning run that Mumbai are on. But if they are wise, they could leave out Parthiv, open with Rohit and draft Ambati into the middle order, thereby fielding their best possible XI. Jos Buttler should don the gloves in this case.
Let’s get to business now!
IPL Fantasy League Fantasy Tips on the next page
IPL Fantasy League
Transfer out: Steve Smith, Rahul Tripathi, Manish Pandey
Transfer in: Jos Buttler, Nitish Rana, Jasprit Bumrah
Now, I already have Suresh Raina in my side for this game.
The first player that I get in is Jos Buttler. With Mumbai playing two games in 3 days, it would be criminal if you don’t get in the in form Buttler. The only bowler that could probably trouble Buttler is Tye. But he mostly operates in the death overs, so Buttler should be off his radar.
I would bring in Rohit Sharma only if he opens the batting for Mumbai, because if he does, he could tear apart Gujarat today, but if he doesn’t, he is bound to get a little bogged down during the middle phase. If Parthiv is dropped, you can expect him to open the batting, but if Parthiv is playing, don’t get in Rohit.
The second transfer that I’ll be making for this game is getting in Bumrah, but I’ll do that only if Mumbai bowl first. Bumrah’s death bowling skills always helps him to get 2 wickets, which at this point is a good enough transfer. With Mumbai playing twice in 3 days, he should be able to give me at least 120 points before I transfer him out.
Brendon McCullum and Aaron Finch don’t find a place in my side, as all my overseas players are featuring either today or tomorrow, and Buttler seems a better choice, because GLs bowling line up isn’t as threatening as MIs
For the uncapped player, I would get in one from Basil Tampi and Nitish Rana. My team combination does not allow me to get in Thampi, hence I’ll opt for Rana.
Captain: Jos Buttler
Fandromeda Tips on the next page:
Fandromeda
Transfer out: Ajinkya Rahane, Yuzi Chahal, Steve Smith, Samuel Badree
Transfer in: Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler, Jasprit Bumrah, Andrew Tye
Now, I already have Krunal Pandya and Nitish Rana in my side for this game. Krunal Pandya might find it tough to make it to the XI after Karn Sharma’s brilliant performance in the last game. Let’s wait for the toss for that revelation to happen.
The first player that I get in for this game is Jos Buttler, reasons for which are already mentioned in the IPL Fantasy League section.
The second player that I get in for this game is Jasprit Bumrah. His death bowling skills give him the opportunity to peg away with wickets in the fag end and the fact that Mumbai play twice in 3 days is enough to warrant him a place in my side.
I would bring in Andrew Tye only if the Lions bowl first, because his death bowling skills might not even be needed if Mumbai chase down the GL total in about 16 overs.
I am temped to get in both Raina and Rohit in for this one, as Rajkot is a high scoring encounter. If you have enough transfers I would suggest getting both of them in, just to have all your bases covered. If not, I would say getting in Rohit would be the wiser choice despite him coming in at number 4, as Raina would be up against a superlative Mumbai attack that could trouble him in more ways than one.
Batting Star: Jos Buttler
Bowling Star: Jasprit Bumrah/Andrew Tye(whoever bowls first)
