The Indian Premier League is back and in its original home and away format with crowds back in the grounds as well.
Friday 31 March 2023
Gujarat Titans 4/6 | Chennai Super Kings 6/5
It’s all about the captains when Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans take on MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings.
The defending champion Titans test themselves against the most succesful team in IPL history.
On duty with South Africa, the Titans won’t have David Miller available and will also be without Kane Williamson due to international commitments for the opening game at least.
CSK should be ready to press Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali into the fray to give them an early edge.
Verdict: Chennai Super Kings 6/5
The Super Kings, who have more of their international contingent available, should have the edge here.
Saturday 1 April
Punjab Kings 77/100 | Kolkata Knight Riders 1/1
Neither of these two sides have been able to sustain high-level performances over a prolonged period of time leading to fan letdown.
However, both teams are packed full of entertainers and this could be wild contest.
KKR would be hard-pressed to lean further into Bazball style cricket as they already have a reputation as the all-guns blazing team.
Having lost Jonny Bairstow, the Punjab Kings will need a big effort from skipper Shikhar Dhawan.
Verdict: Punjab Kings 77/100
The Punjab Kings are tipped to come out ahead of the Knight Riders here. Only just.
Lucknow Super Giants 1/1 | Delhi Capitals 4/5
Lucknow Super Giants play their first proper home game in the IPL when they host the Delhi Capitals on Saturday.
LSG won’t be able to call on Quinton de Kock for this opening match but should have West Indies stars Kyle Mayers and Romario Shepherd at their disposal.
Delhi Capitals have a few players with a point to prove in their ranks like Prithvi Shaw and David Warner.
LSG started well last campaign before fading towards the backend of the competition but will still be keen to make a fast start.
Verdict: Lucknow Super Giants 1/1
I reckon the Super Giants and their in-form Windies stars should have the edge on the Capitals.
Sunday 2 April
Sunrisers Hyderabad 1/1 | Rajasthan Royals 4/5
On paper this looks like a mismatch but the Rajasthan Royals haven’t always been able to bring their star power to bear to get results.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will be led by Aiden Markram when he arrives in the country after his national team duties.
For the Orange Army much could fall on the shoulders of India star Washington Sundar and he will be keen to display his match-winning qualities.
With the likes of Jos Buttler in their lineup, the Royals will start as favourites in most clashes.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals 4/5
Without Markram, the Sunrisers may struggle to match the Royals in terms of batting. Back the away side to get their season off to a good start.
Royal Challengers Bangalore 9/10 |Mumbai Indians 9/10
The Royal Challengers Bangalore will need to make the most of their early home games with regional elections forcing them to maintain a lopsided schedule.
The Mumbai Indians traditionally enjoy coming to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and should be well up for this one against their fierce rivals.
Faf du Plessis may be RCB skipper but this clash is always and forever Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli.
Having previously gambled on his brother Marco, the Mumbai Indians have enlisted twin Duan Jansen at a bargain price in what might prove a savvy buy.
Verdict: Royal Challengers Bangalore 9/10
This is a tough one to call and should probably be avoided betting-wise. The slight preference for me goes to RCB.
