Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina has helped his side to win two back-to-back matches. Pictured: Suresh Raina of Gujarat Lions in action during an IPL match between Kings XI Punjab and Gujarat Lions at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, on April 11, 2016.IANS

Gujarat Lions have got off to a wonderful start to their first ever IPL campaign. Imagine Suresh Raina lifting the IPL trophy. Well, it is too early to say or predict that right now, however, this new franchise has impressed all. 

Raina has been on spot-on with his decisions in the first two games of the IPL, be it about the fielding placements or any other decisions on the field.

Gujarat Lions registered their second victory in a row and that too over MS Dhoni's Rising Pune Supergiants on Thursday. Opening batsmen Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum got them off to a terrific start and that set the platform for the remaining batsmen to finish the game off with two overs to spare.

McCullum, who played a good knock against the Supergiants as well, is impressed with the way Raina has led this new side.  

"I think in these first two games; his captaincy has been outstanding. In both the games, we got off to a rough start with the ball, but he has remained calm, composed under pressure and made sound decisions," McCullum was quoted as saying by the official website of the IPL. 

"He has been able to motivate the team when the game is on the line and it is not an easy skill to do. His leadership includes other leaders as well, it works well with the coach and he is always trying to create an environment and culture for the group. He is new to captaincy, but I think he has a massive future."

Raina-led Gujarat Lions will look to continue with their winning run in their upcoming games. Up next, they will face the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.