The Indian Premier League heads into the first midweek programme of the 2024 campaign in the coming days. While the IPL cannot be won in week one everyone is out to make a good impression.
The Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans all got their IPL campaigns off with wins.
Games come thick and fast in the IPL and sides can very quickly find themselves cut adrift by losing their opening few games.
Royal Challengers Bengalaru vs Punjab Kings | Monday 25 March 2024 | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 16:00
Royal Challengers 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | Kings 23/20
RCB have made a poor start to their campaign after being comfortably beaten by CSK first up.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings started with a win powered by the all-around talents of Sam Curran.
The Kings also call on in-form quick Arshdeep Singh to fire with the new ball in this one.
Anuj Rawat was a standout for RCB last time out while the big stars faltered.
Verdict: Punjab Kings 23/20
Value is certainly on the Punjab Kings here. Their English contingent were excellent in their opener and they should have the edge if they fire again here against an RCB outfit who underwhelmed on the opening day.
Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans | Tuesday 26 March 2024 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 16:00
Super Kings 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | Titans 23/20
CSK and the Gujarat Titans started their campaigns with wins so something has to give when they meet in Chennai.
Mustafizur Rahman has endeared himself to the CSK faithful as he showed the kind of form that made him a breakout star a few years ago.
The Titans had a surprise performer too with Azmatullah Omarzai, putting in a great shift with the ball in their opening assignment.
Playing at home might give CSK a slight edge in this one but it is a close call.
Verdict: Chennai Super Kings 72/100
You simply have to back the Super Kings here. They were imperious against RCB in their opener and should edge the Titans in front of their own fans.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians | Wednesday 27 March 2024 | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | 16:00
Sunrisers 5/4 | Tie 25/1 | Indians 66/100
The Sunrisers Hyderabad may have lost their opening match but Thangarasu Natarajan showed that he can make a big impact with the ball in this IPL.
Mumbai Indians have their own influential bowler in Jasprit Bumrah and he also made a great start to his tournament with three scalps.
Leader, not skipper though, Rohit Sharma will acknowledge that MI need to get more top-order runs.
After both sides lost their openers this is an excellent chance to bounce back and make an impression on the table.
Verdict: Mumbai Indians 66/100
The Mumbai Indians are rightly 66/100 favourites here and shouldn’t disappoint.
Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals | Thursday 28 March 2024 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 16:00
Royals 62/100 | Tie 25/1 | Capitals 27/20
Sanju Samson top-scored in the opening round of matches with his efforts for the Royals and he will be key to their cause once again.
The Capitals need players like Shai Hope to capitalise on their starts if they are to challenge in this tournament.
If the Capitals can get into the runs it will give star bowler Kuldeep Yadav a little bit of wiggle room.
Trent Boult looks fresh and ready to fire for the Royals and will be their dangerman with the ball.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals 62/100
Like the Indians, the Royals are rightly priced as pretty heavy favourites here. They look a safe enough bet at this stage of teh season against a Capitals side still finding their way.
