The Indian Premier League gets underway on Friday 22 March. James Richarson previews the opening five games as CSK look to begin their title defence on a high.
Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru kick off the 17th edition of the IPL. By Sunday, each team will have played one match with a weekend of doubleheaders in waiting.
As is always the case, it can be pretty tough making informed betting decision on the opening round of the IPL. Keep that in mind going into this weekend’s games. Having said that, let’s try and find some value!
Chennai Super Kings v Royal Challengers Bengaluru Friday 22 March 2024 | MA Chidambaram Stadium | 16:30
Super Kings 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | Royal Challengers 23/20
CSK are out to claim their sixth IPL crown at the end of this term and have a good squad on hand to achieve that.
Refreshed by the arrival of a handful of new players, CSK have a wealth of experience in this tournament.
RCB are hardly short on experience and have former CSK insider Faf du Plessis in their ranks to boot.
CSK come into this match with confidence but RCB will be under pressure to start well even if they are on the road.
Verdict: Chennai Super Kings 72/100
The Super Kings are tipped to get their title defence off to the perfect start against an RCB side who, despite the plethora of stars, have underperformed badly in recent tournaments.
Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals | Saturday 23 March 2024 | PCA New Stadium | 12:00
Kings 21/20 | Tie 25/1 | Capitals 82/100
The Punjab Kings have become a bit of a running joke for overpaying players who don’t impact their campaigns.
With a few players on million-dollar deals, the Punjab Kings may be under greater scrutiny than other teams.
The Capitals should fancy this trip to Mullanpur and could make a great start to the IPL here.
Anrich Nortje’s form for the Capitals is something Proteas supporters will also watch closely.
Verdict: Delhi Capitals 82/100
The Kings haven’t made the play-offs in 10 years, consistently underwhelming in the IPL. Get on the Capitals here.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Saturday 23 March 2024 | Eden Gardens | 16:00
Knight Riders 21/20 | Tie 25/1 | Sunrisers 82/100
Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad meet at Eden Gardens on Saturday to start their tilts.
The Sunrisers have more South Africans on their books than any other side including skipper Aiden Markram.
KKR lean heavily on their West Indies stars with Andre Russell and Sunil Narine back for another go.
Playing at home to start might be the crucial swing factor in this match for KKR.
Verdict: Kolkata Knight Riders 21/20
Eden Gardens is a special ground. Under the lights, on the opening night of the IPL? Pandemonium. Back the Kolkata side to feed off of this energy and open their campaign with a win.
Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants | Sunday 24 March 2024 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | 12:00
Royals 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | Super Giants 23/20
The Rajasthan Royals start at their Jaipur base in 2024 and have a big task on their hands.
LSG have made the playoffs in successive campaigns, starting well in both efforts.
The Royals will want to make good on their promise after spending big in the last two tournaments.
LSG doesn’t feel the same pressure as the Royals after two good campaigns.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals 72/100
The Royals appear to have a pretty good balance this year. A cracking top and middle order will be supported by a class pace battery with the dual leg-spin of Adam Zampa and Yuzvendra Chahal. Back them to win at home.
Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians | Sunday 24 March 2024 | Narendra Modi Stadium | 16:00
Titans 23/20 | Tie 25/1 | Indians 72/100
Sunday wraps up with a blockbuster clash between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.
The Titans and Indians are among the tournament favourites and this match will give us an early look at both teams.
The stars of the MI and Titans teams will do well to draw a capacity crowd to the cavernous Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad but the atmosphere should be great.
The Titans ended Mumbai’s 2023 title tilt in the second qualifier last season in what was the most recent meeting between these sides.
Verdict: Gujarat Titans 23/20
With around 132 000 Titans fans packed into the Narendra Modi Stadium, I’m leaning toward the hosts.
