Task to stop MSD, says Suresh Raina

New Delhi: Suresh Raina, who represented Chennai Super Kings for eight seasons, finds it hard to imagine what would happen when his new franchisee Gujarat face Pune, led by M.S. Dhoni.

“Dhoni and I have played together enough including a few finals and I know how to stop him.

“It will be a challenge to stop Dhoni playing the helicopter shot. Myself and Dhoni talked in Australia how we will be in different teams, but it will be fun. Imagine Dhoni getting out to Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) and (Dwayne) Bravo dancing,” a smiling Raina said as he was officially unveiled as captain of the Rajkot-based IPL team Gujarat Lions.

Raina said having James Faulkner in the squad will add to the balance of the side.

“Myself, Jadeja, McCullum and Dwayne Bravo have already played together for the CSK. With Faulkner joining us, the team will have great balance. I hope we will get good players from the auction too.

“There are a lot of talented Indian as well as overseas cricketers in the auction pool,” said the left-hander, who has played a record 214 T20 matches which includes international, IPL and domestic appearances.

While Chennai Super Kings will not be a part for the next two years, Raina feels the time spent in the CSK camp made him a “better cricketer”.

“It would be emotional moment for me as I would play for a different team this year.

“In the last eight years, I have never missed an IPL game and the stint with CSK has made me a matured cricketer. But Gujarat never had an IPL team before and I would like everyone to come to Rajkot and support us.

Hodge named Gujarat Lions coach for IPL

Former Australia batsman Brad Hodge was on Tuesday named coach of the newly-unveiled IPL team Gujarat Lions, who will make their debut under Suresh Raina’s captaincy this season.

With Raina as captain, the Rajkot-based franchise and the Pune Super Giants will replace the suspended Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in the league.

Having played for three IPL teams, Hodge is familiar with the popular tournament. Back home, the 41-year-old captained Adelaide Strikers in this year’s Big Bash League (BBL), while also taking on an assistant coaching role.
Hodge, who is currently playing in the Masters Champions League in the UAE, held the dual role of captain and assistant coach for the Adelaide Strikers in the recent KFC T20 Big Bash League, leading them to the semifinals.

“We finalised Brad Hodge as the team coach on the basis of his successful contribution to the Australian national team and his excellent stint in the IPL,” Bansal said.

“I am confident that our team will benefit immensely from his guidance and mentorship,” Bansal further added.

The Indian batter has been one of the most consistent players of the contest. He has scored 3699 runs in 132 matches he has played.

The Lions will add to their playing roster at the IPL9 auction, which takes place this Saturday in Bengaluru.