The IPL continues as the playoff picture slowly takes shape. However, some teams are already starting to feel the desperation.
Friday 21 April
Chennai Super Kings 8/11 | Sunrisers Hyderabad 11/10
Chennai Super Kings bookend the weekend’s action with home an away matches but start on their own patch.
With the form they are carrying the Sunrisers will be a tough outfit to overcome on Friday afternoon.
The Sunrisers have built their efforts around emerging English star Harry Brook which has so far worked a treat.
CSK have looked to inject some youth into an aging setup but it hasn’t quite come off for them yet.
Verdict: Sunrisers Hyderabad (11/10)
Saturday 22 April
Lucknow Super Giants 9/10 | Gujarat Titans 9/10
These two sides are out to build on great first season’s but it is LSG who have started stronger this time around.
The defending champions have taken shape well but had a few unfortunate mishaps along the way.
We haven’t seen much of Quinton de Kock in the IPL yet with LSG favouring the use of Kyle Mayers up top.
The Titans batting is led by the ever-steady Shubman Gill and cuts an imposing lineup.
Verdict: Lucknow Super Giants (9/10)
Mumbai Indians 8/11 | Punjab Kings 11/10
Injuries have hampered Mumbai Indians in almost every department in the current season and they have struggled for rhythm.
Meanwhile the Punjab Kings have made a decent start but need to start stringing results together.
Punjab have a clear batting leader in Shikhar Dhawan who tops their run-getting so far.
MI are also led by a local talent come good with Tilak Varma laying down a marker at the Wankhede.
Verdict: Punjab Kings (11/10)
Sunday 23 April
Royal Challengers Bangalore 9/10 |Rajasthan Royals 9/10
The Royal Challengers Bangalore test their recent run of good form against arguably the team to beat this season.
The Rajasthan Royals haven’t always dealt with the favourites tag very well.
However it is no suprise to see Jos Buttler leading the way for the Royals with the bat.
The Royals have been the run-scoring kings this season and this could be another high-scoring game with RCB’s Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis in fine fettle.
Verdict: Rajasthan Royals (9/10)
Kolkata Knight Riders 5/6 | Chennai Super Kings 20/21
KKR need to find a way to turn gamebreaking moments into momentum and put wins on the board.
Both of these sides are starting to get itchy when it comes to table position and results should now come first.
Venkatesh Iyer is the leading runmaker for KKR but their efforts have been disjointed.
CSK always seem to have the quality to get over the line when it matters thanks to their experience.
Verdict: Chennai Super Kings (20/21)
