The 2024 Indian Premier League gets going on Friday with the first of what will be 74 matches in a hectic two month period. We take a look at the Outright Betting ahead of the Tournament.
Format
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), teams are split into two groups, Group A and Group B, each containing five teams. They play two matches against all teams from the other group (once at home and once away) and one match against each team in their own group, making a total of 14 matches per team, seven at home and seven away. After these group stage matches, the top four teams based on points move on to the playoffs. The top two teams face off in a match called “Qualifier 1,” while the third and fourth-placed teams play in the “Eliminator” match. The loser of Qualifier 1 gets another chance in “Qualifier 2” against the winner of the Eliminator, with the victor moving to the final. The team that wins the final match becomes the IPL champion.
Schedule
At this point there are 21 matches that have been announced and this is due to the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The next group of fixtures will be announced shortly.
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Let’s have a look at the teams that the bookmakers reckon are most likely to contend.
Mumbai Indians 7/2
Mumbai Indians pulled off a coup in IPL 2024 with Hardik Pandya’s return as captain, accompanied by crucial additions to their bowling line-up like Gerald Coetzee and Dilshan Madushanka making them a force to be reckoned with and worthy favourites. Bumrah’s return strengthens their bowling options particularly at the death.
Chennai Super Kings 9/2
The Chennai Super Kings enter IPL 2024 with key players like Devon Conway, Matheesha Pathirana, and Mustafizur Rahman side-lined due to injuries. Despite this setback, they have excellent depth in the bowling department. Rachin Ravindra promises to be a revelation with the bat and they have a number of all-rounders making them big runners for a sixth title.
Rajasthan Royals 8/1
Rajasthan Royals just missed the playoffs last season and will be looking to take a step up. They have a very exciting top order and South Africans will watch with interest the progress of Nandre Burger who slots into a very talented bowling line-up. Their spin trio comprises Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, and Ravichandran Ashwin and they will be hard to score off especially on turning tracks of which there should be plenty. If they can play to their ability they are big runners and my pick for the tournament.
Also at 8/1 are the Royal Challengers Bangalore which will be captained by South Africa’s, Faf du Plessis. There are plenty of star players in the mix including Australian Glenn Maxwell and Englishman, Will Jacks.
The Gujarat Titans are currently priced at 17/2 and they will be looking to go one better than their runner-up finish last season. They have some serious experience in the squad including New Zealander, Kane Williamson and South African, David Miller and I look forward to seeing how Noor Ahmad goes at the tender age of 19.
The Lucknow Super Giants are 10/1 and they will be hoping that South African, Quinton de Kock can rediscover his 50 over form from last year’s World Cup.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad are also 10/1 and they will be looking to improve on last season’s disappointing show when they finished last. Pat Cummins captains the side with a very expensive signing at auction. From South Africa’s point of view, great things are expected of Heinrich Klaasen, one of the form T20 players in International cricket.
The Delhi Capitals are 14/1 having finished second from bottom last time out. They will be hoping that South African quick Anrich Nortje gets fit and that Tristan Stubbs can continue with the form he showed in the SA 20.
The Kolkata Knight Riders are also priced at 14/1 and they will be looking to record-signing Mitchell Starc to do plenty of damage up front and at the tail with the ball.
The Punjab Kings are rank outsiders at 16/1 and they will be hoping that Rilee Rossouw can put a recent run of poor form behind him and that Proteas speedster, Kagiso Rabada can find top gear.
SELECTION:
I think Rajasthan Royals are the business at 8/1
Click here for the latest Outright Betting
There are plenty of other markets to bet on and you can click here to see all of them, but I am going to focus on 1 or 2 bets in particular.
Top Royal Challengers Bangalore Batsman, Jacks at 12/1
Jacks was once again a star of the SA 20 and we are getting a big price on him here as the legendary, Kohli is the 12/2 favourite. Faf du Plessis is for my money a bit short in the betting at 12/5 after his poor form in the SA 20. The side also has Glenn Maxwell who generally comes in down the order and if Jacks is given a good run at the top, I think the 12/1 could look serious value.
Top Delhi Capitals Bowler, Kuldeep Yadav at 28/10
Yadav was excellent in the 50 over ODI World Cup and he has also been going well in the T20 Internationals, picking up 5 wickets against South Africa. He has been through some tough times in his career, but he has come back strong and I am expecting him to be amongst the wickets.
Most Valuable Player, Jos Buttler at 18/1
I expect the Royals to win the Tournament and it makes sense that their players are going to have to fire and Buttler was in cracking form in the SA 20.
Click here for betting on all of the IPL Markets including the first round of matches.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
