Couch Critic previews the betting for the Indian Premier League matches taking place on Sunday 7th April including the Royal Challengers v Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals v Knight Riders
RCB vs Delhi (Sunday, 07 April – 12:30)
Setting the Scene: It’s still early in the tournament but RCB are at that point where they really need to get a win now or it could prove too late. Delhi have blown a bit hot and cold
Let’s Talk Tactics: RCB return to their home patch fresh off smashing 200 (yet not being able to defend it). The inclusion of Southee proved to have the opposite effect of what was planned for the home side and Siraj also crumbled under the pressure.
Delhi have scrapped well with the willow but are finding it tough to notch up the big scores required to win games. They need more from the likes of Iyer, Pant and Ingram.
With regard to the pitch at Bangalore – it has proven to be road perfect for batting.
Verdict: RCB seemed to have turned the corner in terms of their batting and all the Delhi focus is surely also on performing better with the bat. I expect runs, and boundaries to flow here. The skipper, Iyer has shown glimpses of getting back to his best so I’m expecting him to go big. All the RCB bowlers barring Chahal have struggled. At a decent price I will have a nibble at the 150km/h pacemen – Saini. AB has shown that the ground dimensions are way too small for him.
Bets:
Total runs in the game – Over 354.5 @ 1.90
Top Delhi Batsman – Iyer @ 4.50
Player to hit most sixes – AB De Villiers @ 5.50
RAJASTHAN ROYALS vs KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS (Sunday, 07 April – 16:30)
Setting the Scene: Much like with Delhi the Royals just haven’t been able to get enough runs on the board consistently and this is the main reason they are closer to the bottom than the top of the table at present. KKR once again had Andre Russell to thank for a victory as his broad bat got them over the line against RCB on Friday when defeat seemed a near certainty. No sitting pretty on the log the Knight Riders would love to break the top of the table congestion.
Let’s Talk Tactics: Somewhere along the line someone of Rahane, Buttler, Samson, Smith or Tripathihave added some valuable runs but they need more consistent big knocks. Archer’s pace combined with some good quality spin has held Rajasthan in good stead on the bowling front.
KKR haven’t quite gotten what they’ve expected from their spin trio yet their only loss came via a Super Over so clearly they are doing something right at present. This “something” has a name and its Dre Russ! Lynn showed glimpses of returning to form in the previous clash and that should spell danger for their future opponents.
Verdict: I have stuck my colours to the mast in terms of backing Rana but I still feel he is the most in-from batsman in the KKR line-up. The top order has left a lot to Russell but should they also start to chip in there is no end to the power this order packs so look out for a good number of sixes from the visitors. With the top order up and down in terms of their form I will have a go on Steve Smith to show his class here.
Bets:
Top RR batsman – S Smith @ 5.00
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!
