Hard for any side to replace Jadeja, says Brad Hodge

Describing Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as a three-dimensional player, Gujarat Lions' head coach Brad Hodge said it was very difficult for any cricketing side to replace him.

The ace left arm spinner has been advised rest by a medical team of the BCCI for at least two weeks and may miss the early IPL action.

Hodge said: "Ravindra was an unbelievable player in the recently concluded Test series (against Australia) and I understand that he needs some time to get cent per cent fit."

On whether Gujarat Lions has a player who can replace him, Hodge said: "No, he can't be replaced..he is a three-dimensional player...he bats, bowls and fields like a jet. So its very hard to replace him in any cricketing side."

Another all rounder Dwayne Bravo is injured and Lions will have to play a couple of matches without the services of Jadeja and Bravo.

"Bravo, will hopefully be fit around 20th of April. He will be a key player for some games and when he comes he brings nice energy and when he is a around the group, he's always happy, dancing and having fun, so we are looking forward to him joining us," Hodge said.

On the absence of some star cricketers in IPL-10, Hodge said: "This is a good opportunity for young talented players to step in and perform well."

Gujarat Lions will play their first match in the IPL at SCA stadium in Khandheri on April 7.

Last year, Lions had won both the matches against KKR.

"I am sure KKR is looking to bounce back. We played very well both the times last year but KKR is a very dangerous side having players like Gautam Gambhir, Robin Utthappa, Manish Pandey.. all are very good players.

They have got some skills in bowling too having players like Sunil Narayan and Umesh Yadav.

"Yadav is not going to be part of this game, but the match is going to be a good contest, as KKR is a skillful side and you have to play good cricket to beat them," he said.

Talking about last year's performance as well as the current squad, Hodge said: "We had a wonderful season last year. I think the team was very well led by Raina and we have a lovely combination of youth and experience.

We have bought some fresh faces to keep the energy level up in the group and the side is looking very strong."

"The squad is good combination of youth and experience. Experience is very important, I think more important in T20 and we have got some superb players but anything can happen on a day in T20," he added.