Indian Premier League action really hots up this week as we close in on the playoffs. The addition of two more teams has made the playoff race far more intriguing with the race for the knockouts wide open.
Monday 9 May
Indians | Tie 25/1 | Knight Riders *betting tba
It is do or die as the bottom two sides at the moment meet to try and get their campaigns back on track.
South African youngster Dewald Brevis has been a bright spot in an otherwise miserable campaign for the Mumbai Indians.
KKR sport a four-point advantage over Mumbai and are in a much stronger position while also being closer to the mark in form.
Mumbai have sought to double their money on teenaged South Africans with bags of promise as they brought in Tristan Stubbs for the injured Tymal Mills.
Neither side had shot the lights out this campaign, but I’m backing the Knight Riders to bag the W here. Perhaps this is one to avoid?
Tuesday 10 May
Super Giants 92/100 | Tie 25/1 | Gujarat Titans 92/100 (16:00)
Following a basement clash, the next match is a top of the table affair as the IPL new boys meet for the second time this term.
These teams have exceeded expectations, but their purpose-built nature has proven a great advantage.
KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya have led well with both men strengthening their claims to being future India captains.
In their previous meeting Gujarat Titans came out on top chasing down a modest total to win by five wickets.
The Titans have lost their last two matches, but I’m backing them to come good against their fellow newcomers on Tuesday.
Wednesday 11 May
Royals 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | Capitals 23/20 (16:00)
Rajasthan Royals will be desperate to get themselves into the top two while the Capitals need a win to keep up with the top four.
The Royals have built their successes on explosive batting led by Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson.
The Delhi Capitals struggled to get going and won’t be helped by a blowout loss to the Chennai Super Kings over the weekend.
In contrast, the Royals completed a thrilling chase last time out and will be high on confidence after a good start to their campaign.
There’s only one result here. The Royals were excellent last time out while the Capitals were stomped by CSK. Get on the hosts.
Super Kings | Tie 25/1 | Indians (16:00) *betting tba
The old foes meet again, but surprisingly with neither side really firing on all cylinders this season.
CSK have found form recently though and must start as firm favourites for this one with all of Mumbai Indians’ plagues.
Devon Conway’s arrival has been a game-changer for CSK who otherwise struggled for batting rhythm.
CSK are an experienced team packed full of proven winners and should be tough to beat this time around.
Both sides have been poor this term, but the Indians have probably already mentally checked out of the competition. Get on CSK.
Royal Challengers 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | Punjab Kings 23/20 (16:00)
In a battle that has major implications for the playoffs, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings take us into the weekend.
Virat Kohli’s streak of golden ducks is the talk of the IPL but RCB are doing well despite their star man averaging a negative on the tournament’s impact index.
Punjab Kings are a side who have made their push with a strong bowling unit led by Kagiso Rabada.
These teams met in match three when the Punjab Kings chased down a big total to win their season opener.
The Kings are fighting for their lives and need a big win here. They’ll be buoyed by their season-opening win against RCB.
