We’re just about halfway through the 2024 edition of the IPL and things have taken shape on the log. James Richardson preview a stretch of four games that could make or break several sides’ seasons.
The Indian Premier League continues its run through its epic campaign this week.
Important matches go down as all the sides battle to earn that championship momentum.
Monday 22 April
Royals 23/20 | Tie 25/1 | Indians 72/100 (16:00)
The Rajasthan Royals are threatening to streak away and earn a play-off berth early but have a resurgent Mumbai Indians to deal with in Jaipur.
Mumbai Indians have been led by the superb bowling of Jasprit Bumrah which has kept them competitive despite inconsistent batting.
Meanwhile, the Royals have been lifted by the regular contributions of Riyan Parag and the explosive knocks that Jos Buttler has produced.
The Royals will see this as a match they must win to keep their sails at full mast.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals 23/20
Big value on the Royals here at a shade over evens. They’re at home and flying high.
Tuesday 23 April
Super Kings 67/100 | Tie 25/1 | Super Giants 5/4 (16:00)
Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants meet again just days after LSG defeated CSK.
CSK have done reasonably well defending scores of over 170 but couldn’t stop the potent LSG top order last time out.
LSG were never behind the game in the chase and CSK will be wary of their batting power.
LSG can move ahead of CSK on the log with a win in Chennai but face a side that have yet to lose at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Verdict: Lucknow Super Giants 5/4
A bit of a speculative play here, but I think that the Super Giants have the batting firepower to beat the Super Kings.
Wednesday 24 April
Capitals 23/20 | Tie 25/1 | Titans 72/100 (16:00)
Delhi Capitals play just their second match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium when they host Gujarat Titans.
The Capitals might look to an odd schedule for some justification for their poor form and lack of momentum.
However, injuries also haven’t aided their cause as they lost in-form Mitch Marsh early and have seen David Warner struggle.
DC lost their first home game in Delhi last time out and now need to put in a performance for their loyal fans.
Verdict: Gujarat Titans 72/100
I reckon the Titans should be far too strong for a Capitals side who have blown hot and cold this term.
Thursday 25 April
Sunrisers 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | Royal Challengers 23/20 (16:00)
When it comes to batting Sunrisers Hyderabad are the form team of the tournament and the Royal Challengers bowlers could be experiencing sleepless nights.
Travis Head has been brutal for SRH and has been backed up by some brilliant finishes from Heinrich Klaasen and others.
RCB picked up a fine for a slow over rate last time out and it all just seems indicative of a team struggling to pick up the pace.
RCB are at the bottom of the table and face a very tough away game now at the worst time.
Verdict: Sunrisers Hyderabad 72/100
This is probably as close to a banker as you can get in the IPL. The destructive power of the Sunrisers’ top and middle order should blow a disjointed RCB away.
