IPL 2017: No woes for Suresh Raina-Gautam Gambhir ahead of KKR vs GL opener

Suresh Raina, Gautam Gambhir, Jacques Kallis

Gujarat Lions' captain Suresh Raina during an IPL match vs Kings XI Punjab at Rajkot last year. Pics/AFP

Rajkot: The Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captains, Suresh Raina and Gautam Gambhir respectively, were both kingpins in Team India's limited-overs scheme of things once. But, both are now struggling to stage a comeback in the national side.

However, they both exuded confidence about their own batting and their team's chances in IPL 2017.

"I'm absolutely fine and in good nick. I have played a couple of practice matches and I'm satisfied with the way I'm hitting the ball. Runs will soon start flowing from my bat as always," Raina said during a media briefing on the eve of the Lions' first match against KKR.

KKR captain Gautam Gambhir (right) with coach Jacques Kallis at Rajkot yesterday

"There is always extra pressure when you are one of your team's main batsmen and opening the innings, regardless of the format of the game and the nature of the match; more so when you are also leading the side," said Gambhir. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with my batting and I'm confident of doing consistently well in IPL. Our team has a pretty strong batting line-up with a good set of bowlers to challenge our opponents," Gambhir added.

Raina emphasised that there was "variation" in the Lions' pace attack, adding that Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel and Manpreet Gony were experienced enough to exploit any wicket and bowl accordingly. He also singled out young Nathu Singh for his special talent with the new ball.

In the absence of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and their star spinner Pravin Tambe, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last auction, Raina said that he would bowl as and when he would need to.

While Raina said that the absence of Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo in the initial stage of the tournament has not weakened the Lions a wee bit, Gambhir added that the inclusion of Trent Boult was a welcome addition to the Knight Riders' pace bowling department.