IPL betting tips: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill lead the batting markets – Best bets, odds and value picks
The 2026 Indian Premier League has moved into a pivotal week five as teams begin their push to cement play-off berths.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket writer Himanshu Sharma picks out the key betting angles, including for the blockbuster clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Date and time: 23 April (Thursday) at 7:30pm local time (3pm BST)
The wait is finally over for the IPL’s biggest fixture, often dubbed El Clásico.
Mumbai Indians entered the season as tournament favourites but are reeling at the bottom of the points table.
Far from settled, MI have been changing combinations every game and key players are struggling for form.
Four straight losses since their opening win underline the slide.
Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, are marginally better with two wins in five games so far.
Plus, they have their own issues to address with both bat and ball.
CSK at 2.34 looks solid value. The market still overrates MI at 1.60 because of the stalwarts in the ranks. Form doesn’t justify price.
Batting conditions and toss play a role at the high-scoring Wankhede Stadium – lean towards the team batting second with dew expected.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Date and time: 24 April (Friday) at 7:30pm local time (3pm BST)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are currently sitting in second position on the points table.
RCB suffered only their second loss in six games last time out against Delhi Capitals.
Their batting is firing and, more importantly, the bowling balance is holding up.
Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, are on a three-match winning streak.
The bowling line-up looks settled, but the middle-order batting remains a concern.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is a high-scoring venue where chasing sides tend to hold a marginal edge.
Also, it remains to be seen if Gujarat can post a mammoth total or just chase one.
RCB at 1.74 look the stronger, more complete side. Back Gujarat Titans at 2.09 in case they chase a total under 200 runs.
Batting markets are in play with consistent run-getters Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill.
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Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings
Venue: Arun Jaitely Stadium, Delhi
Date and time: 25 April (Monday) at 3:30pm local time (11am BST)
Delhi Capitals are back on track with two wins in a row.
They produced their best performance of the season against RCB, beating them in Bengaluru.
The afternoon start could slightly favour DC too, with their stronger spin attack coming into play.
In contrast, Punjab Kings look unstoppable.
PBKS have become the first-ever IPL team to remain unbeaten through the first six matches.
With no visible weaknesses, complacency may be their only worry.
Punjab at 1.74 are the justified favourites. Delhi at 2.09 only makes sense if chasing.
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