The race for those coveted IPL play-off places continues this week, with the past weekend’s results really setting the proverbial cat amongst the pidgeons. James Richardson previews.
The IPL continues through this week as the quest for playoff places also goes on for the contestants.
Things are getting tight in the middle of the table, but there are sides trying to pull away at the top as well.
Tuesday 7 May
Capitals 23/20 | Tie 25/1 | Royals 72/100 (16:00)
The inconsistent Delhi Capitals will have to try to get one over on one of the best teams in the tournament when they host the Rajasthan Royals.
The Royals lost a march on KKR by not being in action over the last weekend, but they can return to the top of the table with a win.
Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson have been the standouts for the Royals with the bat, while Kiwi veteran Trent Boult has shown his great value with the ball.
All-rounder Axar Patel has been the best player for the Capitals, but they have been short on match-winning performances.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals 72/100
A well-rested Royals outfit should be able to get the business done against the inconsistent Capitals.
Wednesday 8 May
Sunrisers 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | Super Giants 23/20 (16:00)
Sunrisers Hyderabad will feel they need to get back to winning ways here to enhance their playoff position.
The Sunrisers suffered a batting collapse in their last outing that hamstrung their efforts, but they still have a scary lineup.
LSG have seen KL Rahul and Marcus Stoinis stand up in key moments, but this match feels like a playoff and will be a pressure cooker.
The winner of this match will rise to third, while the loser will be slightly adrift of the playoff spots.
Verdict: Sunrisers Hyderabad 72/100
The Sunrisers have looked unstoppable when they turn it on with the bat. I’m leaning toward them to bag an important home win on Tuesday.
Thursday 9 May
Kings 5/4 | Tie 25/1 | Royal Challengers 66/100 (16:00)
Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru can enhance their play-off hopes with a win in this match, allowing them to close the gap to the top four.
RCB have won their last three in a row and are finally beginning to gather some momentum.
Faf du Plessis finding form has been a great boon for RCB, alongside the big numbers put up by Virat Kohli.
Shashank Singh has been the surprise package for the Punjab Kings, and his runs will be central to their hopes this time around.
Verdict: Royal Challengers Bengaluru 66/100
The Royal Challengers finally hitting their straps doesn’t bode well for the rest of the competition.
Friday 10 May
Titans 27/20 | Tie 25/1 | Super Kings 62/100 (16:00)
The Gujarat Titans have lost their last three matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and the massive ground now seems like a millstone around their necks.
CSK got back to their winning ways last time out, but they need to put these wins together to push for a playoff spot.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the top-scorer for CSK and the only man in the team to have crossed 500 runs in this season’s IPL.
Sai Sudharsan’s runs have been crucial for the Titans, but he hasn’t managed to be as consistent as someone like Gaikwad.
Verdict: Chennai Super Kings 62/100
The Titans’ record in Ahmedabad has been abysmal. Money on the Super Kings to grab a second win on the spin.
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