The IPL log continues to take shape in the early going of the tournament as we head into the second full week. Top performers are showing themselves too and new stars emerging. James Richardson previes matches 14-17.
Monday 1 April
Indians | Tie 25/1 Royals (16:00)
The Rajasthan Royals are one of just two sides to make an unbeaten start to the Indian Premier League through two matches.
Mumbai Indians have started slowly and are yet to even notch a win in this tournament.
Riyan Parag has been the Royals stalwart with the bat despite the presence of huge international stars.
Japsrit Bumrah has made the greatest impact for Mumbai but has lacked support from the rest of the team.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals
The Royals are the form side here and should be backed as such.
IPL Match 15 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants | Tuesday 2 April 2024 | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 16:00
Tuesday 2 April
Royal Challengers 81/100 | Tie 25/1 | Super Giants 21/20 (16:00)
RCB and LSG are out to arrest a mini-slide that has the potential for both teams to go into a slump.
Virat Kohli has started the tournament well for RCB after a break from international cricket earlier this season.
So far Nicholas Pooran has been the standout for LSG with the bat but with results not going their way LSG need a lift.
RCB need more from their overseas crew with Yash Dayal their best bowler so far.
Verdict: Lucknow Super Giants 21/20
This should be a close-run thing, but I’m leaning ever so slightly toward the Super Giants. RCB really do need their overseas stars to come to the party.
Wednesday 3 April
Capitals 21/20 | Tie 25/1 | Knight Riders 82/100 (16:00)
The Delhi Capitals run into the in-form Kolkata Knight Riders at the worst possible time.
Andre Russell has been rampant for KKR and is one of the standout players in the IPL right now.
KKR have also benefited from stunning bowling from Harshit Rana and all-round contributions from Sunil Narine.
The Capitals might be hoping for David Warner to fire but their strength is in spin with Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav ready to bamboozle.
Verdict: Kolkata Knight Riders 82/100
The Knight Riders have been the surprise package so far. They’re tipped to bag their third win in three here.
Thursday 4 April
Titans 72/1000 | Tie 25/1 | Kings 23/20 (16:00)
Gujarat Titans have made a decent start but this is a match they will feel that they should win.
Punjab Kings have won just one in three matches and don’t look to have their team balance sorted out.
Mohit Sharma has been the Titans’ bowling star thus far and the team have benefitted from good work in the field.
The Titans should be wary of Shikhar Dhawan and fast bowler Arshdeep Singh who could turn the match for the Kings.
Verdict: Gujarat Titans 72/100
As mentioned earlier, the Kings simply don’t look to have the right balance at the moment. The Titans should take full advantage.
