The IPL really gets going this week as teams move on to their second matches of the tournament.
Monday 3 April 2023
Chennai Super Kings 1/1 | Lucknow Super Giants 4/5
CSK need to get their season off the ground as they host Lucknow Super Giants after their pacing missteps first up.
Their first home game gives them a chance to knock LSG off their game but they will need to bat better one way or another.
Kyle Mayers has come off the series in South Africa in great form and he is an early pick for player of the tournament for LSG.
Mark Wood’s death bowling is another big plus for Lucknow who have a well-balanced squad.
Verdict: Lucknow Super Giants 4/5
Lucknow are tipped to edge a super-competitive fixture on Monday afternoon.
Tuesday 4 April 2023
Delhi Capitals 11/10 | Gujarat Titans 8/11
In something of a repeat of the last match the home side here are looking to bounce back from defeat first up.
Meanwhile, the defending champions started with a win albeit in one of the tighter opening matches.
The Capitals will need to respond to the leadership style of David Warner quickly if they are to get back on track.
Hardik Pandya won a good toss in the opening game and we are yet to determine if this team has the same firepower they sported last term.
Verdict: Gujarat Titans 8/11
The defending champions should hold the edge of the Delhi Capitals here.
Wednesday 5 April 2023
Rajasthan Royals 8/11 | Punjab Kings 11/10
The Royals and Kings both made winning starts to the 2023 IPL but something will have to give between the two in this contest.
Rajasthan were the first team to break the 200 barrier this season and you’d expect them to do it time and again this term.
Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal knocked 50s to start and the Royals have laid down a real marker.
The Kings have to be happy with the new partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Bhanuka Rajapaksa getting off to a good start.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals 8/11
The Royals simply have too much firepower and should overwhelm the Punjab outfit.
Thursday 6 April
Kolkata Knight Riders | Royal Challengers Bangalore
Betting TBA*
Kolkata Knight Riders have a chance to turn around a poor first showing as they turn out in the first match at Eden Gardens.
Royal Challengers Bangalore got rolling with a good win but they need consistency more than anything else.
RCB will be well-led by an inspired Faf du Plessis but he needs to keep this unit together.
KKR crumbled in a chase first up and they will want to avoid a repeat of that.
Verdict: Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Royal Challengers laid down a marker in their opener and should have the measure of the Knight Riders.
