IPL betting tips: Virat Kohli in focus, plus best odds and value picks for key matches
There is plenty to look forward to as the 2026 Indian Premier League moves into a crucial week four.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket betting writer Himanshu Sharma picks out the best betting angles and value plays from the top upcoming clashes.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Date and time: 13 April (Monday) at 7:30pm local time (3pm BST)
Sunrisers Hyderabad have one win in four.
Their bowling lacks control and any sort of wicket-taking threat. Even 200+ totals aren’t defendable with this attack.
As a result, SRH are far more comfortable chasing, where their batting can dictate tempo.
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, are the in-form side with four wins in as many games.
RR have ticked all the boxes, be it powerplay intent, middle-overs control, or bowling flexibility.
They’re crushing opponents by a big margin.
Hyderabad is typically high-scoring – a first-innings total of 200+ is par.
Plus, it’s a ground where chasing remains a safer option, especially against weaker bowling units.
Look at Over 200 runs (1st innings) or match aggregate markets.
Rajasthan at 1.15 are justified favourites but limited value, while SRH at 2.15 only makes sense if chasing and is a toss-dependent entry.
If SRH bowl first and concede 60+ in the powerplay, expect markets to shorten further on RR.
Rajasthan remain the safer side pre-match, yet the smarter betting route is waiting for the toss as SRH become playable only in a chase.
Betting tip: Back RR pre-match, SRH only playable if chasing.
READ MORE: IPL 2026 preview: Team-by-team analysis, winner odds and predictions
Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Date and time: 16 April (Thursday) at 7:30pm local time (3pm BST)
Punjab Kings have crushed both their opponents so far.
Their batting line-up has significant depth and the bowling unit is complete.
Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, have not lived up to their potential.
Indeed, another loss would make things difficult for a play-off berth.
PBKS at 2.05 offers clear pre-match value given the current form vs pricing, although the markets are still backing MI at 1.75.
The pricing gap doesn’t fully reflect the current form.
Batting conditions and toss play a role at the high-scoring Wankhede Stadium but lean towards the team batting second – it is worth waiting post-toss.
Betting tip: PBKS are the value side, stronger play if chasing.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Date and time: 18 April (Saturday) at 3:30pm local time (11am BST)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are beginning to look like the complete package.
Their batting is firing as expected and more importantly, the balance with the ball is holding up.
Delhi Capitals have been competitive too, but there are still gaps.
The afternoon start could slightly tilt conditions in their favour, with their stronger spin options coming into play before dew becomes a factor.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium remains a high-scoring venue – even in a day game, chasing sides tend to hold a marginal edge.
RCB at 1.10 look a more trustworthy unit given current balance and form.
Virat Kohli is a strong play in the top batsman market as the RCB star has been amongst the runs and his record stands out at the venue.
Betting tip: RCB safest pick, Kohli + top-order runs markets offer added value.
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