We are into the second half of the 2023 IPL season and are beginning to see some separation between the teams that will be challenging for the title and those just making up the numbers this year.
Here is a look at some of this week’s games with odds from BetXchange.
Sunrisers Hyderabad VS Kolkata Knight Riders – Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad
When: Thursday, May 4
A couple of teams low on the log meet in Hyderabad, with both knowing the need to start winning in a hurry to make the playoffs. Each team has six points, though the hosts have played one game less, and so are in a slightly better position to make a late run for the top four.
Sunrisers broke out of a three-game losing skid with a win over bottom-of-the-log Delhi Capitals last time out, while the Knight Riders have lost four of five after winning two of their first three to start the year.
I like Sunrisers to win, and given his impressive 67 in the last match, I like Abhissket Sharma to continue his work with the bat to be the top batsman for the home side on Thursday.
Rajasthan Royals VS Gujarat Titans – Sawal Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
When: Friday, May 5
From a match at the bottom of the log to one at the top. The Titans currently top the standings with 12 points from six wins and three defeats in their nine matches played. They will be looking to pick up a win here after a defeat last time out that broke a streak of three straight victories.
The Royals are also going along nicely. They are in fourth place on 10 points, but their recent form – three defeats and one win in their last four – is a concern as we reach the sharp end of the season.
For the Titans, I like Shubman Gill (24/10) to pick up his scoring rate that hasn’t been ideal recently, and top their batters. The home side has a couple of batting options I like, too, with the always-aggressive Jos Buttler at the spearhead of their attack and Shimton Hetmyer (15/2) due a big performance. Look for spinners with your bowling bets; this pitch has loved spin in the IPL this year.
Delhi Capitals VS Royal Challengers Bangalore – Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
When: Saturday, May 6
The Delhi Capitals’ shocking win over the Titans last time out – bottom beating top – might be just the catalyst they need to kickstart a disappointing season. They will try to back up that win here as they host RCB, the fifth-placed team on the log and one in prime position to jump into the playoff spots over the last few games of the season.
RCB is hot – they have won three of their last four and four of their last six – and I like them to come out on top here. It is interesting that Anrich Nortje has come out in the press saying he needs to pick up more wickets, and with that in mind, I like the South African at 2/1 to be the top home bowler, as it feels like he has gotten to grips with the style of Indian wickets as of late. For the visitors, Virat Kohli (2/1) is always a good shout as top batsman.
