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1. Brendon McCullum
He may have retired from international cricket but his exploits in the T20 format hasn't waned. The vitriolic former New Zealand cricketer will be one of the most feared batsmen in the tournament for he is capable of demolishing any kind of attack.
McCullum would open the innings for the Lions and his quality to explode from the very first ball of his innings makes him the most dangerous batsman in the business.
2. Dwayne Smith
The West Indies batsman is another big gun in this side studded with some great T20 specialists.
Smith has consistently scored runs in the IPL for which ever side he has played and playing for Gujarat Lions isn't going to be any different this year as well.
He will be opening the innings on Friday along with McCullum.
3. Aaron Finch
The Australian batsman needs no introduction when it comes to T20 exploits.
Finch's presence at No. 3 means the team wouldn't be bothered much if any opener departs cheaply for he's an explosive batsman.
Finch was in great form in the previous season and team management would be expecting similar performance this year too.
4. Suresh Raina
One of the most consistent performers of Indian Premier League led the side from the front last year. Team would be hoping for some more inspiring knocks in the middle order by this southpaw.
Performing well in the IPL would personally be of great help to the veteran India cricketer who is struggling to book a spot in the national side. Better show in IPL would help Raina earn a ticket to Champions Trophy 2017.
5. Dinesh Karthik
The Lions will pin hopes on Karthik who was the cornerstone of Tamil Nadu's success in the Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophy where they finished winners.
Karthik amassed 854 runs in 12 innings - the fourth-highest in a List A season in India. He notched up match-winning centuries in both finals, in addition to four half-centuries in his last nine 50-over games.
Karthik will also be donning the role of wicketkeeper for the Lions.
6. Ishan Kishan
There will be lots of expectations from this promising young Jharkhand middle-order batsman.
Kishan had a brilliant domestic season so far and he would be desperate to make a mark in the ongoing tournament to draw the attention of national selectors.
7. James Faulkner
The Australia all-rounder was in good form last season and team would be hoping for another all-round performance from him this year as well.
Faulkner is a brilliant death overs' bowler and great hitter of the ball, lower down the order. All these quality of the left-handed speedster make him an asset for any side his plays.
8. Praveen Kumar
The veteran seamer would be leading the pace attack of the Gujarat Lions side.
He may not be able to make it to the national side anymore but his ability to swing the ball both ways make him very lethal.
9. Dhawal Kulkarni
The right-arm pacer was the best pacer for the franchise in their debut season.
Kulkarni consistently picked up wickets early on in the innings and this was a reason why Gujarat were such a successful side in the last season.
10. Shadab Jakati
The left-arm orthodox spinner had a decent outing the last season. He is also very handy with the bat and, thus, he will get a chance in the playing XI on Friday.
11. Shivil Kaushik
The left-arm mystery spinner from Gurdaspur was under a lot of spotlight last year but couldn't perform as expected.
Kaushik picked up just 6 wickets from the 7 games he played. He will improve as the plays more matches, hence he might get a place in playing XI on Friday.
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