This week features a midweek double-header on Thursday, and it could shake up the standings.
Monday 17 April 2023
Royal Challengers Bangalore 82/100 | 25/1 | Chennai Super Kings 1/1
It’s another home game for RCB and the chance to build momentum after they put away the struggling Delhi Capitals last time.
Chennai Super Kings lost in their last outing, however, it was by a narrow margin to a very good Rajasthan Royals side.
CSK have lacked top order runs outside of those contributed by
Ruturaj Gaikwad which could be their problem.
Meanwhile, RCB are desperate to get into championship-winning form as they bid to end their trophy drought this season.
Verdict: Royal Challengers Bangalore
Tuesday 18 April
Sunrisers Hyderabad 21/20 | Tie 25/1 | Mumbai Indians 81/100
The Sunrisers showed that they could really rack up the runs in their last outing and they have now gone back to back with wins for the first time this season.
Harry Brook showed why the Orange Army have been so keen to build their batting around him while Aiden Markram has also come to the party.
Something has to give as Mumbai Indians have also now won two in a row after a sluggish start.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has seen a 200 + total just once in four innings and it seems the surface could be tricky to bat on.
Verdict: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Wednesday 19 April
Rajasthan Royals 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | Lucknow Super Giants 23/20
Rajasthan Royals are at home and looking to streak four wins together for the first time this campaign.
Batting has been the home side’s strength with every one of their totals so far this season being 170+.
LSG have shown they can hang with the best but have lacked for consistency.
The Super Giants will look to star internationals to give them a chance to keep pace with the Royals.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals
Thursday 20 April
Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Odds TBA*
Punjab Kings have been the surprise package of the season so far with many questioning how they would go after being robbed of star man Jonny Bairstow through injury.
They were able to successfully defend a score against the high-flying Royals earlier this season which is a confidence booster for them.
A reminder that this contest is a lunch-time start with a rare Thursday double-header a feature of this week’s IPL schedule.
RCB have a chance to build momentum or possibly go into a total death roll and these two matches for them will be key.
Verdict: Punjab Kings
Friday 21 April
Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Odds TBA*
The Delhi Capitals are at home looking for their first win of the campaign, having already lost five times.
As usual in such circumstances a microscope is on the team leadership, in particular David Warner the skipper and Ricky Ponting the coach.
KKR have lost their last two as well, but they have looked far better in achieving their results.
Heading into the week, Venkatesh Iyer was in possession of the Orange Cap (Leading runscorer) and KKR will feel they just need a little rub of the green.
Verdict: Kolkata Knight Riders
