Couch Critic previews the betting for the Indian Premier League matches taking place on Sunday 14th April including Kolkata Knight Riders v Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad v Delhi Capitals
KKR vs CSK (Sunday, 14 April – 12:30)
Setting the Scene: It’s a top of the table clash at Eden Gardens as the Knight Riders host the Chennai Super Kings. Many have tried (including the umps at times it seems) yet the Kings are holding onto their throne at the top of the table at this stage.
Let’s Talk Tactics: It has been all about the phenom that is Andre Russell thus far for KKR. Lynn hasn’t been able to get going and with the ball Yadav hasn’t had the impact expected from the Indian international. With Kuldeep not bossing matters the onus falls on Harry Gurney or Ferguson to supply Kolkata with some much needed seam bowling strike power and accuracy.
Chennai have been able to get themselves out of some incredibly tough spots due to the likes of Faf and Dhoni with the bat and Tahir and Jadeja with the ball. Yet despite everything the lack of form of Raina, and lately Watson, will be of concern to coach Stephen Flemming. One wonders whether it isn’t time for a Sam Billings to enter the fray.
The last couple of games at Eden Gardens delivered over 400 runs and then another 360 run game as clearly this track favours batsman over bowlers.
Verdict: We’ve tasted some success in going for this tactic and I will continue to go the route of sticking with Faf du Plessis to be the top run contributor for CSK. There are too many contenders with the ball for the visitors so I will leave that one alone and rather just have a nibble on Gill getting another chance at the top of the order and repeating his success at a nice price.
Bets:
Top CSK Batsman – F Du Plessis @ 4.90
Top KKR Batsman – S Gill @ 9.00
Total Runs in Match – Over 346.5 @ 1.83
SUNRISERS vs DELHI (Sunday, 14 April – 16:30)
Setting the Scene: It’s mid-table action as the Sunrisers host the Capitals. Both teams will be keen on moving toward the business end of the of log as we embark on the second half of the fixtures. The last meeting between these two sides saw SRH win in a low scoring affair in Delhi.
Let’s Talk Tactics: It’s been the two men at the top of the order who have sparked the Sunrisers into life but after that there has been little to get excited about. Bowling wise Nabi has been great with the new ball but with Williamson raring to go he could be the one to miss out. Rashid Kahn has been his brilliant self though teams are approaching him with caution.
The Delhi batting has struggled of late with skipper, Iyer the only consistent contributor. With the ball they have also had one stand-out performer in the shape of Kagiso Rabada.
The last time a game was played in Hyderabad the home side couldn’t manage to chase a meagre 130-odd total.
Verdict: ShreyasIeyer is far and away the best batsman in the DC line-up so I will stick with the skip to deliver. Given what Alzarri Joseph did on this ground in the previous game a healthy haul for KG could also be on the cards. In terms of the Sunrisers I will revert to my firm favourite – Kane to come back with a bang.
Bets:
Top Delhi Capitals Batsman – SS Iyer @ 4.90
Top Sunrisers Batsman – K Williamson @ 4.90
Man of the Match – K Rabada @ 14.50
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!
