IPL betting tips: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli headline Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
IPL 2026 is up and running, and early trends are taking shape as we head into an action-packed week three.
This is the phase where teams amplify strengths and address weaknesses.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket betting writer Himanshu Sharma picks out the best bets for upcoming marquee games, including the clash of the heavyweights – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Date and time: 7 April (Tuesday) at 7:30pm local time (3pm BST)
Rajasthan Royals are buzzing after two wins on the trot.
They’ve come out all guns blazing with the bat, consistently putting on pressure in the powerplay. However, they are not particularly reliable with the ball.
Backing Rajasthan outright is therefore not straightforward for this fixture.
Mumbai Indians also can’t be written off despite losing their last game as they remain a side with a high ceiling and multiple match-winners in the ranks.
The 1.70 odds for MI to win are expected, while Rajasthan Royals (2.24) offer value given their form, particularly for those who look to play value over favourites.
Rohit Sharma at 6.00 in the top batsman market is appealing given the way the MI stalwart has looked in the first two games.
Guwahati’s surface moreover tends to be flat with short boundaries square, often rewarding the powerplay market.
MORE FROM HIMANSHU SHARMA: IPL 2026 preview: Team-by-team analysis, winner odds and predictions
Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh
Date and time: 11 April (Saturday) at 3:30pm local time (11am BST)
Punjab Kings have crushed both their opponents so far. Their batting has significant depth and the bowling is complete.
Sunrisers Hyderabad play one way, which is to be ultra-aggressive with the bat. Unfortunately, they are turning out to be a ‘can’t bowl’ outfit.
This does make SRH one of the more volatile betting sides this season – they are better suited to in-play betting rather than pre-match outright market.
PBKS are a reliable option at 1.76, although SRH offer some appeal at 1.90, especially if chasing.
This is a high-risk, high-reward fixture. Afternoon conditions could slightly reduce scoring, but batting second should still hold a marginal edge.
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Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Date and time: 12 April (Sunday) at 7:30pm local time (3pm BST)
It’s a clash of the heavyweights to round off the week.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have started showing the muscle with the willow for which they are famed.
MI, meanwhile, are still looking for their best combination. Results do not reflect their ability so far. As a result, they will be keen to prove they are the real deal, at least at home.
Backing Bengaluru (1.93), a balanced and competitive unit with bat and ball, offers better value here.
Virat Kohli is likely to lead the charge – the chase master is a strong play in top batsman markets if RCB bat second.
It could turn out to be another bat-dominated affair as chasing sides hold an edge at Wankhede. Keep toss bias in mind.
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