Couch Critic previews the IPL matches taking place from 20th to 21st April including top bat and ball and more best bets with @Olimp_SA
The comp is still locked down in Mumbai and Chennai for this coming week. We’ve seen the conditions as well as most of the arsenal that all the sides have at their disposal. Let’s get stuck into finding some value to start the weekend in the right way.
Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, 20 April @ 16:00 (Chennai)
Teams batting first have struggled to post anything over 160 in Chennai but those chasing have still found it tough to haul those scores in. Thus far it has only RCB have been able to buck the trend at the MA Chidambaram Stadium – they have the only victory when chasing in Chennai in 2021 and also managed a 200 plus total thanks to The Big Show and Mr 360.
Rahul Chahar has 7 wickets for 46 runs in his last 8 overs bowled in Chennai. To back the leggy up they have Krunal Pandya as well. Delhi have not played on this pro-spin track and don’t have the same weapons of turn at their disposal. Ravi Ashwin has operated with varying degrees of success whilst Mishra has been used sporadically – they will miss Axar Patel in these conditions.
I rate both these teams highly and expect to see them squaring off in the final later in the tournament. I believe the Chennai conditions will suit Mumbai better and reckon it’s about time for a Rohit special.
Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 21 April @ 12:00 (Chennai)
Punjab are another team that head to Chennai for the first time in the comp whilst the Sunrisers have already suffered two very similar defeats at this venue.
Rashid Khan has all the characteristics of one who could swing a game on this track but opponents have largely opted to merely see him off – across the two matches he has two wickets and economy rate of 5. By adding Mujeeb as a second Afghan weapon the Hyderabad lads have gone a long way to ensure they will prove tough to score big against. But can they somehow find a solution to their middle order woes?
The Punjab Kings have heavy hitters in their line-up but their bowling has proven extremely frail. With the lack of an in-form spinner they could find themselves struggling in this one unless one of their game breakers with the willow has an absolute scorcher of a game. It surely has to be time for Bishnoi to get a turn.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings, 21 April @ 16:00 (Mumbai)
KKR get their first crack at the more batsmen-friendly Wankhede track in this clash against the men in yellow. The Super Kings have fond memories of this ground with Deepak Chahar steamrolling the other Kings to the tune of leaving them battered and bruised at 26/5 and eventually managing only a touch over 100.
Whilst the Kolkata batters should enjoy the change of venue I see Pat Cummins also bowling with a bit more vigour here. Rahul Tripathi has consistently shown decent form coming to the crease first down.
Betolimp Best Bets
Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians
Top Mumbai Bowler: Rahul Chahar @ 4.50
Top Delhi Bowler: R Ashwin @ 4.50
Man of the Match: Rohit Sharma @ 8.50
Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Top Sunrisers Bowler – Mujeeb Ur Rahman @ 4.50
Top Kings Punjab Bowler – Ravi Bishnoi @ 5.50
Man of the Match – Rashid Khan @ 11.00
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings
Top KKR Batsman: RA Tripathi @ 5.00
Top KKR Bowler: Pat Cummins @ 4.50
Note, all odds quoted are subject to change
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