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Gujarat Lions (GL) vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), IPL 2016, Match 28 at Rajkot: Brendon McCullum vs Mohit Sharma and other key clashes

Gujarat Lions are set to take on Kings XI Punjab in Match 28 of IPL 2016 at Rajkot.

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Suresh Raina and co. have won 6 games out of 7 matches played in IPL 2016 © AFP
Suresh Raina and co. have won 6 games out of 7 matches played in IPL 2016 © AFP

Table toppers Gujarat Lions (GL) are set to take on slacking Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Match 28 of IPL 2016 at Rajkot. KXIP are lying below the points table with just two points while GL have managed to find their way to the top with 6 wins. GL had a thrilling end against Delhi Daredevils (DD) with an all round performance by GL restricting DD at the death overs, that provided them with 1-run win. Since the entry of Dwayne Smith for injured Aaron Finch, the crackling pair of Smith and Brendon McCullum has given the impetus for GL. As for KXIP, with Murali Vijay donning the captaincy role, his contribution becomes of utmost concern. With GL defeating KXIP in the previous edition, the latter will look to avenge the defeat. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Gujarat Lions vs Kings XI Punjab, IPL 2016 at Rajkot

Vijay and Manan Vohra’s valuable top-order performance in every game has made KXIP look a stronger side until the middle-order failed to carry forward the legacy ahead. Let’s have a look at the possible key clashes that could be observed at Rajkot:

Dwayne Smith vs Sandeep Sharma: Dwayne Smith’s inclusion has been a blessing for GL that has boosted the top-order performance. Since KXIP have opened the attack by Sandeep Sharma in most of the games, this will be an interesting clash. He has been asset for KXIP playing all the matches so far for the team. Both teams have players- one who has been contributing with the bat while the other has been most economical amongst pacers. Smith has achieved two consecutive half-centuries though he made his in IPL 9 appearance after the first encounter between these teams. This will be a battle to vouch for in this game.

Brendon McCullum vs Mohit Sharma: The Kiwi former skipper McCullum’s partnership be it with Aaron Finch or Dwayne Smith has been lauded that has strengthened the top order for GL. Mohit Sharma has been the top pacer for KXIP and his three wickets in two games respectively has made him a crucial player amongst all the pacers. With McCullum likely to face Mohit in the 2nd over, this will be a crackling duo to watch out for.

Suresh Raina vs Axar Patel: The skipper Suresh Raina being a top-notch player in IPL has helped boost the confidence for GL. As a captain, he has been an immense support if one of the opening pair stumbles. Although, he has managed to secure half-century in IPL 9 just once in a much win match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Axar Patel has been an ace spinner after Glenn Maxwell for KXIP. His consistency has helped to get crucial wickets in crunch situations. How Raina tackles Patel’s spin attack will be an interesting call to look out. ALSO READ: Gujarat Lions vs Kings XI Punjab, IPL 2016, Match 28 at Rajkot, Preview: Suresh Raina and Co. clear favourites

Murali Vijay vs Dhawal Kulkarni: Being a top batsman for KXIP in all the matches, the responsibilities have further added up earning the role of the franchises skipper. Vijay has been unpredictable with his innings so far and this could be the drawback at the top-order. Dhawal Kulkarni, yet another pacer coming from Mumbai Indians (MI), has come out and out with his spells the being 3 for 19 within 4 overs against Delhi Daredevils (DD) in thrilling 1-run win match. He is another player yet to perform against KXIP and face top order batsman Vijay. This will fascinating clash in the game at Rajkot.

Manan Vohra vs Praveen Kumar: Manan Vohra has proven to a quality player for KXIP which was visible with his outing against GL with his knock of 38 off 23 including 4-fours and 2-sixes. Praveen Kumar has not a great IPL season this time but his economical innings against DD was been the best conceding just 13-runs from 4 overs was helpful in restricting DD’s chase in death overs. This could be another clash to look forward to after restricting Vohra in yet another must win match for both teams.

(Shruti Hariharan is a Content Writer with CricketCountry. You can follow her on Twitter at @Shruti_2890)

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