Indian Premier League Tips Matches 37 and 38: Go against runs in battle of the strugglers

Click here for Chennai Super Kings v Gujarat Titans odds
Sunday 26 April, 10.30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Chennai Super Kings v Gujarat Titans IPL Tips

Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans are going in opposite directions this IPL, proving that placing too much store in early results can be a fool's errand. Chennai have won three of their last four and Gujarat their last two, breaking a three-game winning sequence.

The hosts seem to be in a much healthier position after they hammered Mumbai Indians. And despite the loss of Ayush Mhatre and Khaleel Ahmed to injury, early suggestions of their demise have proved unfounded.

Chennai lost their first three matches of the season to Royals, Punjab and Bangalore. The top three in the league. The fixture list wasn't kind. Since they have found their feet in a league which is very much split by an outstanding trio and a bunch of mediocre also-rans. They have beaten Delhi, Kolkata and MI.

Gujarat come into the contest off the back of a poor performance against Bangalore. There's no disgrace losing to RCB but Gujarat's frailties were badly exposed again. They are playing one-dimensional cricket with the bat. At 128 for one in the 13th they should have been looking to accelerate and post up towards 230 and 240. Despite the platform they remained at the same rate with 205 never going to be enough on a flat wicket.

Their lack of hitting ability lower down is a real problem. They have tried to recognise this by drafting in Jason Holder. But at the expense of Glenn Phillips? Nope. That's not bright. They need to come to terms with the fact that Kagiso Rabada is the man to make way for Holder.

The 4/51.80 with Sportsbook about Chennai proving to be a coming team is the best pre-toss advice about a wager. Titans have had a very quick turnaround from the RCB defeat and CSk should add to their gloom.

Click here for Lucknow Super Giants v Kolkata Knight Riders odds
Sunday 26 April, 15.00
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Lucknow Super Giants v Kolkata Knight Riders IPL Tips

It does seem a bit early for a bottom-of-the-table four-pointer but these two appear to be locked in a battle to avoid last place this season. Lucknow have won two from seven and KKR one from six (although it would have been seven had rain not saved them against Punjab).

They are in different momentum moments, though. Lucknow are dropping like a stone with four straight defeats. Kolkata have managed to get their first win on the board. Beating Royals was impressive and the shock of the season so far.

There must now be significant worries in the Lucknow camp. They were dreadful with the bat chasing only 159 against Royals. Only Mitch Marsh offered any resistance as they were rolled for 119. Nic Pooran's form remains non-existent and they have almost no batting depth to try to reverse their fortunes. KKR are probably better balanced, which is saying something.

It could be these two prove they are as bad as each other. So avoiding the match odds is wise. Instead focus on the fact that the Lucknow pitch has been one for the bowlers and both of these two can struggle for runs. The first-innings runs line at 181.5 is too high and an obvious short at 5/61.84.

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