Strongest playing XI for Gujarat: Can the team punch above weight and spring a surprise?

There were several doubts about the newly inducted Gujarat team's squad selection and player choices. There were several gaps in their lineup, and they left many positions open until the very last second of the Indian T20 League mega auction. Gujarat will have to punch above their weight to make their presence felt in the ITL. Here's how there best playing XI may look line.

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Top Order

Shubman Gill- Shubman Gill was picked by Gujarat in the player draft. He will be one of the openers for the team as he is a very stable player and paces his innings well. His game will allow his partner to play freely.

Jason Roy- Jason Roy was a great buy for the Gujarat team as they got him for just 2 crores. He is a very consistent player and can play an attacking game at the top. Roy is a match winner on his day.

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Abhinav Sadrangani- Hailing from Karnataka, Abhinav Sadrangani has established a good name for himself in the domestic circuit. Gujarat does not have many options at this position so they will look to groom him at number three.

Middle Order

Vijay Shankar- Vijay Shankar captained Tamil Nadu to a victory in the 2021 season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He will look to have a similar run with this new team. His personal form has not been the best, but that too can change.

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Matthew Wade- Wade was a last-minute buy for the Gujarat team as they did not have any wicket-keeper in their team. They got a great player in return. He can be a floater with the bat and play an attacking T20 game.

Hardik Pandya- Hardik Pandya will have a huge responsibility on his shoulders. He has been appointed as the team captain, but his availability as an all-rounder remains a question. He has not bowled due to his injuries for a long time.

Jayant Yadav- Jayant Yadav will be their secondary spinner, but he will also have to contribute with the bat as well. Yadav has been around for many years but has not played a lot of games. However, he has the skills to become a match winner for his team.

Bowlers

Rashid Khan- Rashid Khan probably is the biggest match winner for the Gujarat team. He is one of the best T20 bowlers and has the skills to rattle any batting lineup in the world. He is sure to be in the playing XI for the team.

Mohammad Shami- Mohammad Shami has been a great servant for Indian cricket. Shami has evolved as a T20I bowler and can get wickets upfront and at the death.

Lockie Ferguson- Ferguson has been a good player in the limited games that he has played in the ITL. He can be a regular for the team if he takes wickets consistently. He has good pace which is always very useful for the team.

Varun Aaron- Varun Aaron has not played a lot in a while but he is a player who can produce genuine pace. His consistency has been the main issue for him. However, on his day, he will win games for Gujarat on his own.