Mondays IPL match features two sides that have been in good form. The Royal Challengers Bangalore take on the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium UAE.
Both sides will fancy their chances in what should be an enthralling spectacle of T20 cricket. We’ve had a look at the results over this years Indian Premier League tournament to see where the potential value odds are placed.
RCB have played 6 matches so far. Winning 4 and losing just twice. Overall there are a couple of teams better placed in the standings than RCB; they currently sit 4th with a respectable 8 points. The Royal Challengers have had some impressive victories along the way, picking up the scalps of the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Superkings. It was predicted this year Delhi Capitals would beat them, which they did, and their other tournament loss came surprisingly against the KXIP in match 6 a couple of weeks ago.
The Kolkata Knight Riders are positioned 3rd in the current IPL standings; one place above their opponents. They too have already put in some impressive performances and their net run rate is slightly better than RCB. Having also played 6 won 4 and losing 2 matches, their two losses came against high flying DC but were disappointing against the KXIP. This match is going to be very close indeed and one we can’t wait to start.
RCB v KKR Latest Odds*
- Royal Challengers Bangalore 1.66
- Kolkata Knight Riders 2.10
Surprisingly the bookmakers have RCB as clear winners. We think it’ll be a much closer match than those odds indicate. Whichever team is to be victorious they will certainly have to dig deep. T20 cricket doesn’t get much better than this.
*Odds were correct at the time of writing and subject to change.
RCB v KKR Betting Tips
With such a close game anticipated, were looking towards individual performers to shine for their team and help lead them to a win and therefore we’re going to stay clear of picking a winner. We’ve picked 3 tips for your consideration.
Odds taken from Betway India, join and get a ₹2,500 bonus here.
Tip 1 – Virat Kohli Total Fours – Over 3.5 (odds 1.80)
As usual Virat Kohli has done all the talking with the bat. He has been in impeccable form and much of RCB’s success so far in this tournament is down to his expertise. Kohli has been in sensational form, leading from the front and the IPLs star attraction hasn’t disappointed.
His stats in this year’s tournament speak for themselves. He has featured in all six matches for the RCB, amassing an incredible 223 runs in the process. Kohli has remained at the crease on two out of the six matches, proving once again why he is one of the very best T20 batsmen in the world.
So far this year Kohli has smashed 13 fours and 7 sixes, showing he is more than capable of reaching the boundary and with an average of over 55 runs we can see him being the difference between the two sides. With odds like these, we think it is well worth considering this market.
Tip 2 – Devdutt Padikkal to score 50+ runs (odds 3.60)
The Royal Challengers youngster has perhaps been one of this year’s surprise players. The plucky but very talented batsman has racked up some incredible figures in helping his side to some memorable victories. Padikkal has more than stood up to the plate, combining well with Virat Kohli and partnered extremely positively with AB de Villiers.
Devdutt Padikkal has amassed 211 runs in the first 6 matches for RCB, including 21 fours and 4 sixes. Incredibly he has knocked over 50 runs in 3 of the 6 matches showing just how capable he is with the bat. In fact, his highest score so far is 63 and with a match against KKR which could come down to an individual outperforming the rest, Padikkal could be the batsman to be just that player.
Tip 3 – Yuzvendra Chahal Top bowler in the match (odds 5.50)
It has long been thought that the Royal Challengers Bangalore have relied too much on their batting performances and somewhat neglect their bowling duties. This may have been true in recent years however in this years IPL, Indian leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has simply been incredible. With these sorts of odds, we can see some huge value with this market.
Chahal’s bowling stats speak for themselves. His economy rating is 7.78, which we acknowledge isn’t the best, but its wickets that can win matches. In 6 matches he has bowled a total of 138 balls and taken 9 wickets. Yuzvendra Chahal could dominate this match, meaning KKR need to be on top of their game.