IPL betting tips: Best bets, odds and value plays as playoff race intensifies
IPL 2026 is nearing the business-end phase. Every game now directly impacts the playoff race.
Sports News Blitz’s cricket betting expert Himanshu Sharma breaks down the best bets, odds value, and key angles from Week Seven of the Indian Premier League.
Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Date and time: May 4 (Monday) at 7:30pm local time (3pm BST)
This is a wooden spoon clash between the two bottom-placed teams.
Mathematically, both teams remain in contention for the playoffs. Realistically, it looks out of reach.
Mumbai Indians’ campaign has been derailed by poor team balance, failing to settle on a reliable XI, and underperforming stars.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow had a week’s break to regroup and turn things around.
LSG batting has consistently failed, while its bowling has salvaged some pride.
At batting-friendly conditions at Wankhede Stadium, markets are heavily backing MI (1.60) to pip LSG (2.30) due to the batting edge.
Avoid LSG in a high-scoring chase.
Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Date and time: May 5 (Tuesday) at 7:30pm local time (3pm BST)
Delhi Capitals come into this contest brimming with confidence after registering their highest chase.
DC would look to use the momentum with five games to go in the league stage.
Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, dominated rivals Mumbai Indians in their last outing.
CSK still look patchy across departments and must turn up with both bat and ball.
Markets have this one evenly poised at 1.90 each.
We back the better-balanced Delhi side to come out on top.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad
Date & time: May 6 (Wednesday) at 7:30pm local time (3pm BST)
The most anticipated fixture of this week.
Both sides, having lost some steam in their most recent encounter, would be raring to go and get back on track.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's top order is firing on all cylinders, but middle-order reliability and bowling discipline remain concerns.
On the other hand, Punjab Kings remain at the top of the table despite two straight losses.
PBKS batting depth was tested in the recent games. They’ll need their top and middle order to fire and hit peak form again.
Punjab are favourites to win (1.80) basis better overall balance.
Markets didn’t write off Sunrisers (2.00) either, for the potential to outscore anyone.
Look at powerplay runs markets. SRH are one of the strongest starters this season.
Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Date & time: May 7 (Thursday) at 7:30pm local time (3pm BST)
Lucknow Super Giants face a tough test against a playoff-bound and well-oiled RCB unit.
LSG’s bowling has kept them competitive, but their batting has consistently failed.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, meanwhile, would look to fine-tune and plug minor gaps ahead of the playoffs.
RCB’s consistency across departments makes them clear favourites (1.60) against struggling LSG (2.40).
Back Virat Kohli in the top batsmen market.
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