The weekend that was proved to be full of missed opportunities as the IPL log once again retracted. The mid-table grinders had the most success, which has left the standings interestingly poised.
Monday 15 May
Gujarat Titans 8/13 | Sunrisers Hyderabad 27/20
The Sunrisers Hyderabad will be in action twice before the weekend rolls around and need positive results.
While the Titans top the table, their recent form is just as patchy as the Sunrisers, with their last four matches evenly split.
The return to the home and away format has clearly balanced this IPL.
This match plays out at the massive Narendra Modi Stadium, which has a large playing area which should suit the hosts.
Verdict: Gujarat Titans
Tuesday 16 May
Lucknow Super Giants 6/5 | Mumbai Indians 4/6
Mumbai Indians are on a bit of a charge with the best recent form in the whole of the IPL.
The side that loses this contest will be left to face the prospect of dropping out of the playoff spots.
LSG are winless in their last four matches at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
MI haven’t been fantastic on the road but can cement their place in the top four with a win.
Verdict: Mumbai Indians
Wednesday 17 May
Punjab Kings 8/11 | Delhi Capitals 11/10
The Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals take the high road as they are in the Himalayas foothills for an encounter at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.
The Kings haven’t been helped by having multiple home grounds but they face the struggling Capitals at a venue that is tough to visit.
The Capitals’ form has fallen off alongside skipper David Warner’s after a string of positive results.
Punjab Kings’ pace attack could be dangerous in these conditions against a struggling batting lineup.
Verdict: Punjab Kings
Thursday 18 May
Sunrisers Hyderabad 1/1 | Royal Challengers Bangalore 77/100
RCB are out to back up their own resurgence having thrashed the Rajasthan Royals in their last outing.
The Sunrisers will come in off a clash earlier in the week that could potentially set the tone for this contest.
Sunrisers need top make the runs flow a little more smoothly if they are to get rocking in a high-scoring IPL.
RCB have threatened to build momentum before, only to stumble and need to find a way to keep winning.
Verdict: Royal Challengers Bangalore.
