IPL Tips Matches 53 and 54: Kohli to inspire RCB comeback

Click here for Chennai Super Kings v Lucknow Super Giants odds
Sunday 10 May, 11.00
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Chennai Super Kings v Lucknow Super Giants IPL Tips

Chennai have won their last two and are in the hunt for a play-off place. Another four wins from their final five could be enough. It's a mighty task but they will take comfort that they now face a crucial double-header against bottom-of-the-pile Lucknow. They really should win both of them.

On a home surface which suits their style the 1.804/5 might not be big enough against a Lucknow team which is out of contention. It is true that Lucknow have played better cricket once released from their shackles but it's not a great look for them; why start playing with freedom once the game is up? That's a question for coach Justin Langer, whose intensity may not be a great fit for IPL.

Importantly, their batters might not be able to hit through the line with quite such abandon as their last two games. Against Mumbai and Bangalore, they blitzed with aggression on helpful pitches. There are strong signs that the Chepauk is not that.

Scores appear to be starting to trend down. CSK could only manage 158 in defeat by Gujarat and then restricted Mumbai to 159 to win the game. It is probably the result of significant traffic through the square since the World Cup. Taking the highest line on the runs market could make sense. Sportsbook offer under 185.5 at 5/61.84 and it would be a surprise if that doesn't give punters a keen interest.

A worn surface brings Chennai's spinners, Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad, into play. They could well squeeze the LSG batters and cause havoc. It's a throwback to the old Chennai style when they used to prepare turners, win the majority of their home games and qualify with ease.

LSG may be without Josh Inglis, who had come in as opener, due to a finger injury. But looking down the order for big-priced top-bat wins makes sense on this surface. George Linde catches the eye at 16s for CSK. Jamie Overton at 14s will be popular but is a little skinny despite a win record on these markets in T20. Akeal has more appeal at 35/136.00 while Shreyas Gopal, an all-rounder, is 80/181.00. He probably won't play (money back for non-runners) but the rationale for picking him is clear if this is a slow wicket. It's a wrong price.

Click here for Royal Challengers Bangalore v Mumbai Indians odds
Sunday 10 May, 15.00
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Royal Challengers Bangalore v Mumbai Indians IPL Tips

The IPL is proving challenging. What has happened to the status quo? Did it ever exist? And other existential quandaries. It appears that the formguide has been reversed. The three teams that started off so dominantly and looked by far the best outfits in the tournament, have had a collective wobble.

Bangalore, Punjab and Rajasthan have lost seven of their last nine games all told. Punjab's three-game sequence is the worst. Bangalore have lost two in a row and are now concerned about qualification having previously been focussed on the top two only.

Surely they roar back to form here against a chaotic Mumbai? MI have won only three all season and were once again shabby in the field against Lucknow who posted 228. Sure, Mumbai chased with ease but Bangalore are unlikely to be as profligate. The 1.8910/11 on Betfair exchange is clear value on the hosts who across all metrics are superior.

It's also unlikely that Mumbai don't run into Virat Kohli at the wrong time. Kohli has failed to bust his runs line in three matches in a row. He is also overdue on historic win rate for a top bat. Sportsbook offer 9/52.80 and that's a play.

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