Couch Critic previews the Indian Premier League matches taking place on the 2nd and 3rd October including best bets from @Olimp_SA
The IPL action keeps coming thick and fast. Here is a look at the next few matches and where I’m heading with my betting.
Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Friday 02 Oct – Dubai
Things are extremely tight in the battle for IPL supremacy and the fact that CSK find themselves in last place on the log hardly means they are doomed. They will however need to find a more dynamic opening pair than Watson and Vijay. With the ball Jadeja’s struggles are unexpected and hampering the side at present.
The Sunrisers were back to their scrapping best against Delhi. Buvi and Rashid found their groove and when that happens it makes any score look big.
Top CSK Bat – A Rayudu @ 5.00
Faf has been going great guns but he must be due a failure. Rayudu should make his return from injury and was in good touch in the opener.
Man of the Match – R Khan @ 12.00
Last time out it was between Nabi and Rashid for me. Khan has now found his feet back in IPL and the fact that he could connect a shot or two with the willow makes him great value in this market.
Most match sixes – MS Dhoni @ 12.00
Dhoni has come under immense pressure for batting low down the order. He has however shown glimpses of his big hitting ability and I will back him to be keen to launch a few for his team in this one.
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals, Saturday 03 Oct – Abu Dhabi
RCB should have strolled to victory over Mumbai but their bowling unit remains their Achilles heel. The leg-spinning duo of Chahal and Zampa didn’t come off as expected and Udana was carted to all parts.
Jofra Archer has been in a league of his own for the Royals but the remaining bowlers have had a tough time. Against KKR their power top three of Buttler, Smith and Samson failed to come off but this won’t happen often.
To score a fifty – S Smith YES @ 4.00
Against big opponents in Kohli and AB I expect the traditional Aussie grit to come through.
Top RCB Bowler – Y Chahal @ 3.60
Off the back of a disappointing effort against Mumbai, Chahal should be ready to fire right back. The two-paced wicket should suit him.
Man of the Match – J Archer @ 12.50
Rabada enjoyed bowling on the Abu Dhabi track and the just back of a length strategy should work nicely for Jofra as well.
Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Saturday 03 Oct – Sharjah
Delhi have been my team of choice but they gave it a rather weak effort when trying to chase down 160-odd against SRH. This time around they step up to the plate at the venue with the smallest boundaries in the comp. The likes of Pant, Hetmeyer and Stoinis will be licking their lips.
KKR have a nicely balanced team to call on. Morgan and Russell will be chomping at the bit to launch some big one whilst Cummins and Mavi will be tasked with trying to keep the damage to a minimum.
Top Delhi Batsman – S Iyer @ 5.00
I will keep faith with Iyer as I still believe him to be the class player in this line-up.
Top KKR Batsman – S Gill @ 4.00
He will have plenty of firepower below him but Gill is a youngster in super form and looks the standout.
Top KKR Bowler – P Cummins 4.10
One of the best bowlers in the game at present, Cummins has started to find his best form in the IPL over the last few games. He should be the vital cog in this KKR wheel.
Man of the Match – A Russell @ 8.30
Russell was sent in earlier last time out and showed glimpses of his explosive hitting power. His incredible fielding and possibility of chipping in with a wicket makes him the ideal candidate.
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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
