RCB vs RR Preview Dream11. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals Preview Dream11 Prediction
Two teams who have been in do-or-die mode for a couple of weeks now. One side is about to take its last breath, and the other is doing enough to keep hopes alive of a miraculous playoffs appearance.
Not even the philosophical, faithful Royal Challengers Bangalore fans can realistically believe they can make the playoffs. Despite four wins out of five before their defeat to DC, it has been another underwhelming canpaign for Virat Kohli’s men. It was another season of hope for RCB, but it hasn’t materialised. However, they can now be of nuisance value to their opponents. Will they end RR’s season?
Rajasthan Royals made a late run to the playoffs last season. They are attempting to do it again, and even though SRH’s net run rate boosting win over KXIP yesterday is a blow, Steve Smith’s men are still in with a chance. Their first win this season was over RCB, and they will be out to ensure their win over SRH last game isn’t their last.
Key to an RCB win
RCB’s death bowling made for grim viewing once again. Their poor last four overs vs DC was ultimately the difference between winning and losing. Here, they need a polished performance at all stages of the innings, with RR’s top order in good form – Ajinkya Rahane, Liam Livingstone, Sanju Samson and Steve Smith are all playing well. So, Umesh Yadav will be key in the powerplay, Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal up until the middle overs, and Navdeep Saini and even Marcus Stoinis at the death.
Also, can Virat Kohli play a big innings? He has had three low scores in a row – something so rare for the India and RCB captain. He and in-form Parthiv Patel can provide a quick start that pushes RR back, and remind them of their pace bowling worries from earlier in the season. If RCB do the right thing and bat Marcus Stoinis at four, RCB have a top four – including AB de Villiers – that can set up a huge total.
RCB vs RR Preview Dream11 – It wasn’t a good death period for RCB vs DC.
Key to a RR win
RR bowled nicely as a unit in their last-start win over SRH. The much-maligned Jaydev Unadkat picked up man-of-the-match, but the challenge for he and RR is to back up their effort well. Conditions at the Chinnaswamy are different to Jaipur, which puts onus on Varun Aaron and Oshane Thomas in particular to be as accurate as possible with their pace. Shreyas Gopal has a superb record vs RCB, so he can keep things tight in the middle overs, especially if RR make a strong start. Can RR get the better of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers?
Also, there was much to like about RR’s top four against SRH. Ajinkya Rahane and Liam Livingstone began with a strong opening partnership, and if they can replicate what DC did a couple of days ago vs RCB, it sets things up nicely for Sanju Samson, Steve Smith, Ashton Turner and Riyan Parag to play off the back of. Samson in particular has fond memories of the Chinnaswamy, belting 92* off 45 balls there last year. Against an RCB attack that continues to have its struggles, a big opportunity awaits RR.
RCB vs RR Preview Dream11 – Will Steve Smith lead his team to victory?
Possible Playing 11
RCB: 1. Virat Kohli (c), 2. Parthiv Patel (wk), 3. AB de Villiers, 4. Heinrich Klaasen/Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Shivam Dube, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Gurkeerat Singh, 8. Washington Sundar, .9 Umesh Yadav, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Navdeep Saini
RR: 1. Ajinkya Rahane, 2. Liam Livingstone, 3. Sanju Samson (wk), 4. Steve Smith (c), 5. Ashton Turner, 6. Riyan Parag, 7. Stuart Binny, 8. Shreyas Gopal, 9. Jaydev Unadkat, 10. Varun Aaron, 11. Oshane Thomas
This will be Steve Smith’s last match for RR this season. It will be his 50th match as captain in T20s.
Yuzvendra Chahal is two wickets away from 100 in IPL.
Virat Kohli currently has 49 wins as an IPL captain.
Match Prediction
Huge game for RR as they look to keep their season alive.
It is hard to predict which RCB side will turn up in this game. Will they perform really well now that the pressure is gone? Or will RR continue their good run?
Cricket News: KKR sign Jason Roy for Rs 2.8 crore | Kolkata Knight Riders pick up Jason Roy for IPL 2023
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed English opener Jason Roy as a replacement for Rs 2.8 crore as they deal with the absence of two of their high-profile players – skipper Shreyas Iyer and Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Ak Hasan. Roy previously went unsold at the auction in Kochi in December at a base price of Rs 1.5 crore.
So far, Roy’s limited participation in the IPL has been quite conspicuous despite his reputation of being one of the most destructive and consistent openers in limited-overs cricket over the years. He has played only 13 IPL matches since his first appearance in the league back in 2017 for the now defunct Gujarat Lions.
Roy averages 29.91 with a strike rate of 129.02 in these IPL games. However, he will be expected to shoulder greater responsibility and possibly even play an important role for KKR in a campaign when they have to work their way around Iyer’s injury. The India batting star holds that batting unit together as he has the ability to play the long innings around whom others can come and deliver their short, impactful knocks.
The KKR batting wore a pretty inexperienced look lacking both quality and experience in their opening game of the season against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mohali last Saturday. Their top-order comprised Afghan wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Punjab batsman Mandeep Singh with skipper Nitish Rana, Anukul Roy and Venkatesh Iyer to follow the duo.
Roy will add a ton lot of strength to the batting unit with his flair and dynamism. He has a natural boundary-hitting ability that is tough to replicate and the 32-year-old’s quick starts will set the base for the likes of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine to fire with the bat later on. Moreover, he will arguably relish the opportunity to play in the batting-friendly track that the Eden Gardens often dishes out.
KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2023 Match 9 | KOL vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today | Eden Gardens Pitch Report
The IPL returns to Eden Gardens, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) need a happy homecoming. Their flaws were on display against Punjab Kings, with a focus now on rectifying those in an important early-season clash against the confident Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
RCB have won five of their past seven games against KKR. Here is the perfect opportunity for Faf du Plessis’ team to add to that. Mohammed Siraj was back to his powerplay best against Mumbai Indians, while du Plessis and Virat Kohli reminded us of just how good they are. However, how RCB deal with their injury concerns – now including Reece Topley – is a big test of their credentials.
For KKR, how will they reduce their reliance on Andre Russell? With Shreyas Iyer not available, and Jason Roy not yet with the squad, the onus is on a relatively inexperienced top order to set a platform for the likes of Russell, Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh. Indeed, that is easier said than done against Siraj and co. on what is expected to be a pacy Eden Gardens pitch, but KKR have seamers of their own who can cause damage.
Match Details
Location: Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Time: 7:30pm (IST).
For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.
IPL 2023 Match 9: KKR vs RCB Possible Playing XIs
In the last match, KKR substituted Varun Chakravarthy for Venkatesh Iyer after bowling first. They may implement the same strategy here.
Andre Russell is set to play his 100th IPL match. His fellow West Indian Sunil Narine will play his 150th.
David Willey is likely to come in for Reece Topley. Rajat Patidar is out of IPL 2023. If they bat first, they may bring in Suyash Prabhudessai for one of the bowlers, i.e. Siraj, and then sub the seamer in for the second innings.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1. Faf du Plessis (c), 2. Virat Kohli, 3. Glenn Maxwell, 4. Michael Bracewell, 5. Dinesh Karthik (wk), 6. Shahbaz Ahmed, 7. Harshal Patel, 8. Akash Deep, 9. David Willey, 10. Karn Sharma, 11. Mohammed Siraj
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Kolkata Knight Riders:
A lot rests on Andre Russell. He has an unbelievable record against RCB, with 364 runs in 12 matches at an average of 45.50 and strike rate of 208. He also has ten wickets.
Nitish Rana has solid numbers against RCB. The captain has struck 231 runs in nine innings at an average of 33.00 and strike rate of 144.38. He also has similar stats at Eden Gardens: 14 inns, 464 runs, avg. 34.62, SR 140.19.
Rana has faced 21 balls against Mohammed Siraj and strikes at 157.1. He has been dismissed once, so this could be an interesting battle today.
Venkatesh Iyer vs RCB: 3 inns, 77 runs, avg. 38.50, SR 108.45.
Virat Kohli has a strike rate of just 103.1 in the IPL against Sunil Narine (101 off 98, three dismissals). Narine also has the most wickets of any bowler at Eden Gardens, with 56 in 44 innings at a strike rate of 18.29.
Umesh Yadav against RCB’s openers promises to be a great watch. He has dismissed du Plessis once in 15 balls, conceding 12. Also, Umesh has dominated Glenn Maxwell in T20s, with total figures of 4/31 in 28 deliveries.
Tim Southee also has good numbers against Faf, with total figures of 2/27 off 16 balls in T20s.
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
Virat Kohli has a great record against Umesh (150 runs off 85 balls, three dismissals), but early movement at Eden Gardens makes Yadav a dangerous customer. If Virat gets going, watch out.
Virat has the most runs in KKR-RCB matches (786) at an average of 34.17 and strike rate of 128.64. He also loves batting at Kolkata, with 471 runs on this ground (avg. 42.82, SR 128.34).
Faf du Plessis was man of the match against Mumbai Indians with a 43-ball 73. KKR is one of Faf’s favourite opponents, with 432 runs at an average of 39.27 and strike rate of 131.71.
Interestingly, du Plessis has a poor past record at Eden Gardens: 7 inns, 108 runs, avg. 15.43, SR 131.71.
Glenn Maxwell has smashed 84 runs off 43 balls against Southee in all T20s (three dismissals). But, his poor record against Umesh (mentioned above) and Sunil Narine (4/93 off 84 balls) is something for him to overcome.
Mohammed Siraj was superb in the powerplay against MI. But, RCB may also look to use him against Andre Russell. He has bowled 18 deliveries to the West Indian, dismissing him once whilst conceding just 22.
Siraj has taken nine wickets in as many matches against KKR at an average of 24.33 and economy of 7.22.
Harshal Patel has dismissed Andre Russell twice in 26 balls, conceding a respectable 35. Harshal has 12 career wickets in ten matches vs KKR (SR 17.50) and nine wickets in seven matches at Eden Gardens (SR 17.33).
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 31, KKR 17, RCB 14.
Andre Russell’s batting record at Eden Gardens: 25 inns, 700 runs, avg. 38.89, SR 199.43.
Virat Kohli has scored 67 off 42 against Shardul Thakur in the IPL.
Faf du Plessis in T20s in 2023: 13 inns, 482 runs, avg. 40.17, SR 146.50.
Umesh takes one wicket every 24 deliveries on average on this ground. Can he improve on this?
Karn Sharma at Eden Gardens: 6 matches, 8 wickets, avg. 19.50, SR 12.75.
Eden Gardens Kolkata Pitch Report and Weather
Expect the Eden Gardens surface to have something in it for the quicks, with early swing and dew on the menu. So, the captain who wins the toss is likely to chase.
There were two high-scoring matches on this ground in IPL 2022. Gujarat chased Rajasthan’s 188 with three balls to spare, before RCB scored 207 and beat LSG by 16 runs. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in October and November 2022, the average first innings score in seven matches was 176.14. The team batting first won four of these games.
A hot and clear night is forecast in Kolkata.
IPL 2023 Match 9: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today Match 6 April 2023
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Virat Kohli
All-rounders: Andre Russell
Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav
IPL 2023 Match 9: KKR vs RCB Match Prediction – Who will win?
RCB start as favourites, but KKR cannot be counted out at home with their bowling attack. The chasing team is likelier to win, so the team batting first needs to aim for 180+ to feel competitive.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
Cricket News: Twitter reactions: Fans joyful as Rishabh Pant watches DC vs GT in stadium | Rishabh Pant in the stands at Delhi
Star wicketkeeper-batsman and Delhi Capitals’ original skipper Rishabh Pant surprised fans by attending the team’s match against the Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday. Pant, who has been out of cricketing action since suffering a horrific car accident on December 30, made a public appearance.
He was accompanied by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah in the stands. This comes after the Capitals hung his jersey on the top of their dugout in the inaugural game of the season against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Saturday.
Fans react to Rishabh Pant watching IPL in the stadium
Here is how Twitterati reacted to Pant’s return to the stadium.
When life hits hard.. some people aren’t able to get up but some people get up and hit the life back. Rishabh Pant is prime example of the same. pic.twitter.com/0HQdHvrBJw
Youngest IPL Captain snatched away of the opportunity by cruel destiny still has the courage to hold himself and cheer for his team with max enthusiasm from the stands even in an ailing physical condition.
I've stanned right people in life. From the man who stepped into the field after losing his father to the man who was batting coughing blood to the man who stepped into the field after head injury to Rishabh Pant who lost his father, met with an accident yet fought against all… pic.twitter.com/HR35sPOMlD
Delhi, however, succumbed to their second straight loss as the Gujarat Titans defeated them by six wickets. The home team put up 162/8 in the first innings with David Warner scoring 37 off 32 and Sarfaraz Khan taking 34 deliveries for his 30 runs. Axar Patel’s quick cameo of 36 runs helped them get to a challenging total but the Titans’ duo of Sai Sudarshan (62* off 48) and David Miller (31* off 16) ensured that the defending champions rounded off the chase comfortably.
Meanwhile, Pant’s returned thrilled a home crowd in an otherwise disappointing outing for the David Warner-led side. The Capitals will now head to Guwahati to face off against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 8th.
Feels like last season happened two weeks ago with Gujarat Titans – Tom Moody | Tom Moody praises Hardik Pandya the captain
Analyst and former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) coach Tom Moody has heaped further praise on Gujarat Titans following their second-straight win to kick off the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking on ESPNcricinfo T20 Time Out, Moody said the Titans’ ability to continue on from last season is an ominous warning to the other nine teams in the league.
“The quality of their bowling attack is quite formidable,” Moody said. “It’s nearly like last season happened only two weeks ago. That’s how it feels just watching them play, and that’s a credit to the management more than anything else because what they’ve done is manage to keep things simple, keep things calm and do what they’ve done previously so people could just continue in the wake of that success they had last year.”
Hardik Pandya’s body language as Titans captain a huge positive – Moody
Moody pinpointed Hardik Pandya’s leadership as a key reasons for Gujarat Titans’ record. They have now won 14 of 18 games since the start of their debut season, with Pandya creating a sense of calm among the playing group.
“Hardik is continuing to impress as a leader, he really is” Moody said. “Just watching his body language in the dugout, watching his body language on the field when things aren’t quite going right and when things are going well, he’s just very level. There is a lot to like about what he’s bringing to the table.”
“It’s nearly like last season happened only two weeks ago. That’s how it feels just watching them play, and that’s a credit to the management”
Tom Moody on the Gujarat Titans
Other pundits have echoed similar thoughts. Managing Editor of Aaj Tak/Sports Tak and Sports Presenter Vikrant Gupta believes the Titans have a formula other teams should aspire to.
“Gujarat Titans are the perfect template for others to follow. Rather than being dependent on just one or two, they come up with a new match winner every game. Some confidence. Some skill this. And credit to Hardik Pandya for all this,” he tweeted.
Gujarat Titans are the perfect template for others to follow. Rather than being dependent on just one or two, they come up with a new match winner every game. Some confidence. Some skill this. And credit to Hardik Pandya for all this #GTvsDC
RR vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2023 Match 8 | RR vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today | Guwahati Pitch Report
Two first-up winners in IPL 2023 go head-to-head for the chance to keep their 100% record alive. 2022 finalists Rajasthan Royals showcased their 2023 credentials with a calculated, clinical take down of Sunrisers Hyderabad, whom many believe can challenge for this year’s title.
Jos Buttler was superb in the powerplay, and the Royals want more of the same. Yashasvi Jaiswal was also terrific, and is a dark horse for this season’s Orange Cap. Sanju Samson was as classy and impactful as ever, followed up by the Royals’ efficient attack led by the brilliant Yuzvendra Chahal and Trent Boult.
If Punjab Kings are to knock them over in this clash, they’ll have to be even better than they were against KKR on Saturday. It was a solid all-round display against the Knight Riders, but consistency is the next step for the Kings. Last season, they failed to win two consecutive matches, ultimately costing them a playoffs’ spot. Here is a great chance to right that wrong by beating a highly-rated team in IPL 2023.
RR have won four of the past five matches against PBKS. Can Punjab add another victory to turn this recent record around?
Match Details
Location: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
Time: 7:30pm (IST).
For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.
IPL 2023 Match 8: RR vs PBKS Possible Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals could stick with the same XI. Their team is built perfectly for the Impact Player rule, so they may start with a specialist bowler over Devdutt Padikkal if they bowl first and vice versa.
Kagiso Rabada has joined the PBKS squad after South Africa’s two ODIs against the Netherlands. Whether he is ready to go for this match remains to be seen.
Since the start of IPL 2018, Jos Buttler has smashed 306 runs against Punjab at an average of 43.71 and strike rate of 150.
In all T20s, Buttler has great numbers against Rabada (56 balls, 96 runs, one dismissal).
Yashasvi Jaiswal has struck scores of 68 and 49 at a strike rate of 151.95 against Punjab. He was player of the match against them last season.
Sanju Samson has the most runs in RR-PBKS matches. The captain has belted 552 runs in 15 innings at an average of 46.00 and strike rate of 152.91.
Samson has hit 49 off just 26 balls against Arshdeep (one dismissal), 26 off 17 against Rabada (one dismissal) and 44 off 28 against Rahul Chahar (one dismissal).
Trent Boult started IPL 2023 brilliantly, with two wickets in his first over against SRH. However, he has historically struggled against PBKS, with eight wickets in ten matches at an average of 42.63 and economy of 9.34.
Yuzvendra Chahal is on fire. The classy legspinner has taken 31 wickets in his last 18 IPL matches, including 4/17 against SRH and 3/28 against PBKS last season.
Chahal career record vs PBKS: 17 matches, 28 wickets, avg. 16.25, SR 12.46.
Punjab Kings:
Shikhar Dhawan has scored 576 runs against RR at an average of 28.80 and strike rate of 126.59. He has good numbers in T20s against Trent Boult, with 102 runs in 81 balls (two dismissals).
Jitesh Sharma hit 38* off 18 balls against RR last season. When batting at number five in T20s, Jitesh has scored 406 runs at an average of 58.00 and strike rate of 196.14.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa showcased what he is capable of in the first match against KKR. The hard-hitting left-hander hit 50 off 32 balls.
Arshdeep Singh was outstanding in Punjab’s first game. He took 3/18. Also, he has an good wicket-taking record against RR, with 12 wickets in five matches at an average of 14.42.
Arshdeep has dismissed Buttler once in 20 balls and has only conceded 20 runs. He has also dismissed Jaiswal once in five balls (two runs).
Sam Curran made a promising start to life as the most expensive IPL player. He struck 26* (17) and took 1/38 against KKR. Something to build on.
Kagiso Rabada has taken ten wickets in six matches against Royals (avg. 20.60, SR 14.20).
Watch out for Prabhsimran Singh, who hit an impressive 23 off 12 balls against KKR. He was dismissed in unlucky fashion down the legside.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati Pitch Report and Weather
The Royals will play their first two home matches at Guwahati before moving to Sawai Masingh Stadium in Jaipur. Expect a true, fresh pitch for this clash. Last year, India (237/3) and South Africa (221/3) played out a very high-scoring T20I. Kagiso Rabada took 0/57 in four overs, Arshdeep Singh 2/62 and R Ashwin 0/37.
A warm and mostly clear evening is forecast, so the captain who wins the toss is likely to field with dew and the relatively small ground dimensions.
IPL 2023 Match 8: RR vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today Match 5 April 2023
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson
Batters: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shikhar Dhawan
All-rounders: Sam Curran
Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
IPL 2023 Match 8: RR vs PBKS Match Prediction – Who will win?
Punjab are capable of winning, but expect Rajasthan to prevail, especially if they chase.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
The West Indian has been in blistering form to begin the season, smashing 73 (38) and 53 (22) against Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings respectively. All of a sudden, LSG’s overseas combination of Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran and Mark Wood doesn’t look so set, which management required to make a decision with de Kock now available after South Africa’s successful ODI series against Netherlands.
Kyle Mayers madness in the IPL!
– 73 (38) in the first match. – 53* (21) in this match.
– Unbelievable impact by Mayers, he got an opportunity in the opening department and he proved himself! pic.twitter.com/hQhuVgxTuD
Should the LSG management keep Kyle Mayers in the XI?
Dropping Kyle Mayers would be a risky move. However, leaving out the excellent Quinton de Kock, who recently smashed 100 off 44 balls against West Indies, is also a risk.
Another option would be to bat KL Rahul at three. But, it must be remembered that Rahul and de Kock combined for 1,124 runs in IPL 2022, so LSG may not be willing to break that opening combination with both available.
So, the spotlight is on Marcus Stoinis, who has made a bit of a slow start to the campaign. The all-rounder offers plenty of value in T20 cricket, especially as a finisher. Since the start of 2020, Stoinis has a strike rate of 180.7 between overs 17 and 20 in the IPL. However, with LSG already containing the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni, plus a number of bowling options, LSG may be tempted to play de Kock and move Mayers down to three.
Possible LSG XI without Marcus Stoinis: 1. KL Rahul (c), 2. Quinton de Kock (OS & wk), 3. Kyle Mayers (OS), 4. Deepak Hooda, 5. Nicholas Pooran (OS), 6. Ayush Badoni, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Krishnappa Gotham, 9. Mark Wood (OS), 10. Yash Thakur/Jaydev Unadkat, 11. Ravi Bishnoi
This XI also creates a question around Deepak Hooda’s role. He too has made a slow start to IPL 2023, but moving him down to four isn’t the worst move. In 28 T20s batting at four, Hooda has scored 823 runs at an average of 35.78 and strike rate of 146.18.
LSG have Sunrisers Hyderabad up next, who themselves are looking to bounce back after a thumping defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals. de Kock has scored 372 runs in 11 matches against SRH at an average of 37.20 and strike rate of 130.99, including three fifties.
Given the way SRH’s bowlers started against the Royals, a top three of Rahul, de Kock and Mayers can certainly be very damaging.
Cricket News: Tom Moody: Mumbai Indians will be nowhere near the finals | Tom Moody says there are too many gaps in MI team
Former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach Tom Moody believes that there are far too many holes in the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad for them to make it to the finals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year. Moody criticised the five-time IPL champions’ auction strategy as he explained that the balance of their overseas contingent is too lopsided at the moment.
MI fought their way to 171 courtesy a terrific knock of 84 runs from Tilak Varma after their top-order completely crumbled. However, the bowling unit showed no bite as RCB’s opening duo of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis took them to the cleaners, stitching a 148 run partnership in merely 15 overs. Mumbai are already missing their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in this campaign and star recruit Jofra Archer did not appear to be in the best of rhythm on Sunday.
Tom Moody – too many holes in the MI squad
“I am concerned (for MI) because I sort of called it before the start of the IPL that I didn’t think they’d be anywhere near the finals. I just feel there are too many holes amongst their team and I don’t think they’ve got a balance in their squad either. They don’t have the domestic bowling depth and the international bowling depth,” Moody said in the ESPNcricinfo T20 time out show in the aftermath of Mumbai’s loss against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.
Mumbai will return back to their home turf to square off against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 8 but Moody is not too optimistic of their fortunes in the ongoing season.
“They don’t have balance with their overseas players either. They’ve got a lot of power-hitters and young power-hitters in Brevis, Stubbs and David. Three of them are taking up the eight slots that you’re given. That doesn’t make sense to me. You can see tonight just with RCB how important experience is. Where is the experience in that squad?” the former Australian pacer mentioned.
In addition to the lack of quality pacers, Mumbai are missing top spin bowling options in their ranks as well. They did not replace Rahul Chahar appropriately in the mega auction prior to IPL 2022 and have acquired Piyush Chawla for this year.
Do you think MI can turnaround their form in the mega encounter against CSK on Saturday? Do let us know by tweeting @cric_blog.
On The CricBlog Podcast, we debate whether Mumbai indians will make the IPL 2023 playoffs. Watch here or below!
DC vs GT Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2023 Match 7 | DC vs GT Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Pitch Report
IPL without Rishabh Pant did not start well for Delhi Capitals, losing convincingly to Lucknow over the weekend. The silver lining for Capitals fans today is that Delhi regularly responded to defeats last season, often winning after losing. David Warner, Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly is an excellent leadership core, so expect a bounceback by DC today.
However, it won’t be easy. Champions Gujarat Titans started 2023 in the same manner, with an efficient last-over win on IPL 2023’s opening night. The loss of Kane Williamson to an injury is a blow to both he and the franchise, but the Titans have the core and depth to cover effectively. Today will be a good test away at Delhi, with eyes on how the Capitals tackle Rashid Khan on a pitch that could provide some assistance for the spinners.
On The CricBlog Podcast, we shared our predictions for the IPL season. Watch here or below!
Match Details
Feroz Kotla Shah Stadium, Delhi.
Time: 7:30pm (IST).
For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.
IPL 2023 Match 7: DC vs GT Possible Playing XIs
DC may stick with the same playing XI that lost to LSG. South Africa’s series against the Netherlands finished on Sunday, but Anrich Norje is set to play according to cricbuzz.
Mustafizur Rahman is with the squad, and he is an option for DC. He took 3/23 against GT last season.
Delhi Capitals: 1. David Warner (OS & c), 2. Prithvi Shaw, 3. Mitchell Marsh (OS), 4. Aman Khan, 5. Sarfaraz Khan (wk), 6. Rovman Powell (OS), 7. Axar Patel, 8. Kuldeep Yadav, 9. Chetan Sekariya, 10. Anrich Nortje (OS), 11. Khaleel Ahmed
Kane Williamson out of IPL 2023 due to injury. According to cricbuzz, David Miller should be available for the match. If he is not, then GT may play Matthew Wade.
Also, GT may play an extra spinner, i.e. R Sai Kishore or Jayant Yadav, if the pitch is on the dry side.
Gujarat Titans: 1. Shubman Gill, 2. Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 3. Sai Sudharsan, 4. Hardik Pandya (c), 5. David Miller/Matthew Wade (OS), 6. Rahul Tewatia, 7. Rashid Khan (OS), 8. Mohammed Shami, 9. Josh Little (OS), 10. Yash Dayal/R Sai Kishore/Jayant Yadav, 11. Alzarri Joseph (OS)
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Delhi Capitals:
David Warner averages 30.56 with a strike rate of 122.59 in 31 matches on this ground. Also, he has scored an impressive 99 runs off 68 balls against Mohammed Shami in T20s, dismissed twice.
Prithvi Shaw also has solid numbers against Shami. He has been dismissed once, but has scored 40 off 28 balls.
Shaw at Feroz Shah Kotla: 14 inns, 364 runs, avg. 26.00, SR 143.31.
Mitchell Marsh had a superb recent ODI series against India. He smashed 194 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 131.08.
Khaleel Ahmed was impressive in the powerplay against LSG. He will be key against Shubman Gill, whom he has dismissed twice in 25 deliveries in the IPL (38 runs). He has also dismissed Hardik Pandya twice in eight balls.
Kuldeep Yadav has taken 28 wickets in 22 T20s since the start of 2022. He is averaging 20.71, and he should enjoy conditions at Delhi.
Gujarat Titans:
Shubman Gill started IPL 2023 in strong fashion with 63 vs CSK. Last season against DC, he smashed 84 off 46 balls. Overall against Delhi, Gill has scored 352 runs in ten matches at an average of 35.20 and strike rate of 129.89.
Gill has never been dismissed by DC’s spin duo Axar (72 off 51 balls) and Kuldeep (29 off 18 balls). So, getting through the powerplay will be key.
Hardik Pandya, who struck the fourth-most runs in IPL 2022 (487), strikes at 195.71 in eight innings at the Feroz Shah Kotla (137 runs).
Gujarat may keep overs for Rashid Khan to use against Rovman Powell. Since the start of 2022, Powell has been dismissed 12 times in 202 deliveries against legspin (247 runs).
Mohammed Shami has taken 22 wickets in 17 IPL innings since the start of 2022. He is striking every 17.7 deliveries.
12 of Shami’s 22 wickets have come in the powerplay. He is conceding just 6.60 per over in this phase. So, his battle against the DC top order promises to be fascinating.
Alzarri Joseph has taken 59 wickets in just 41 T20s since the start of 2022. 18 of these wickets have come between overs 7-16, where he was excellent in the first game against CSK.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 1, DC 0, GT 1.
David Warner has never faced Rashid Khan in T20s. In ODIs, he has faced 26 balls and scored 30 runs without dismissal.
Rovman Powell is striking at 200 between overs 17 and 20 in franchise T20s this year.
Hardik Pandya (SR 116), Vijay Shankar (SR 114) and Rahul Tewatia (SR 56) have been slow against left-arm spin since IPL 2019. So, watch out for Axar Patel.
Wriddhiman Saha has a strike rate of 134.74 in 14 innings against Delhi Capitals. He has scored 25 off 14 balls against Kuldeep in the IPL (one dismissal).
Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium Delhi Pitch Report and Weather
How the Delhi surface plays early in IPL 2023 will be interesting to see. A fresh, true pitch is expected. Last year, South Africa chased 212 in a T20I against India.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in November 2021, the average first innings score was 140.56.
There is a chance of some showers in Delhi on Tuesday, but the match should hopefully be unaffected.
IPL 2023 Match 7: DC vs GT Dream11 Prediction Today Match 4 April 2023
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Wriddhiman Saha
Batters: Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, David Warner
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje
IPL 2023 Match 7: DC vs GT Match Prediction – Who will win?
Tough match to predict. This one can be close. The chasing team is likely to have the advantage.
On The CricBlog Podcast, we shared our predictions for the IPL season. Watch here or below!
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
Cricket News: RCB vs MI Twitter reactions: Faf, Virat, Siraj star & MI lose first match yet again | Virat Kohli smashes 82 off 49 balls
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have emphasised their IPL 2023 credentials with a thumping victory by eight wickets and 22 balls to spare against Mumbai Indians (MI).
What made the victory all the more impressive for RCB was the quality they had missing. Rajat Patidar, Josh Hazlewood and Wanindu Hasaranga were all unavailable for different reasons, with Reece Topley also picking up a nasty shoulder injury in the field. However, led by superb powerplay bowling by Mohammed Siraj in particular and a wonderful opening stand between Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, an RCB victory was never really in doubt despite Tilak Varma’s classy 84* off 46 balls.
IPL 2023 5th Match: RCB vs MI Twitter reactions – the key events
As often the case in an IPL game, there were various talking points. Here are some of the reactions from a game between teams containing two of the biggest fanbases in the league.
Mohammed Siraj with powerplay brilliance
MI openers Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma had little idea how to counter Mohammed Siraj. The pacer was back to his brilliant best in the powerplay, hurrying the batsmen and tucking them up with excellent line and length with a hint of movement.
He finished with figures of 1/21, but should have had Rohit Sharma after a dropped catch due to a nasty collision with keeper Dinesh Karthik. Thankfully, both were fine.
It’s funny. Last year RCB had very balanced XI, covered nearly every base, most players came into IPL in form. This year injury worries, questions on a few guys form and yet this is a more comprehensive win than any of their wins last season. Difference is Siraj & Kohli TURNED UP
Chasing 172, Kohli (82* off 49 balls) and du Plessis (73 off 43 balls) made a wonderful start to their 2023 campaign. They plundered 148 in 14.4 overs, after a strong powerplay (53/0) and first ten overs (97/0).
At the same respective period, MI had crawled to 29/3 in the powerplay and 55/4 at the halfway mark.
April 2nd, Ravi Shastri in the commentary box and a 6️⃣ to finish off a brilliant run chase.
Do you see him now, the Virat Kohli we know? With vintage strokeplay and a elegant flow, The run machine in action, a sight to behold, The chase master on a mission, fearless and bold.
It's astonishing how much Faf has improved his overall game (specially against spin), in the last year and a half when he's 37 years of age.
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) April 2, 2023
Faf's fitness is something to admire. Something to learn. May be some superstars could've learnt a bit and applied on themselves which could've possibly helped their cause. But…
Even god doesn't help those who don't help themselves!
Missed watching 82* of Mohali and MCG, but I was lucky enough to see the 82* of Chinnaswamy. Thank you, Virat my Sunday couldn't have been better. ❤️#RCBvMI#IPL2023pic.twitter.com/JNKwzLEvU4
MI were in all sorts of trouble at the batting-friendly Chinnaswamy. Tilak Varma, who had an excellent 2022 campaign, shone brightly again for MI with 84* off 46 balls courtesy of nine fours and four sixes. Thanks mainly to Tilak, MI struck 116 runs in the final ten overs, giving them something to bowl at.
Outstanding inns this from Tilak Verma. Continuing from he left off in the last season, doing a carry job once again. Best part is, he does it at a healthy rate while being calculative about his strengths.
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) April 2, 2023
While the world is obsessed with Rutu v Gill v Shaw fights, a middle order batter is carrying a shambolic batting line-up on his own. Such outrageous stroke-making from Tilak. What a star.
Another first up loss for MI, with worries growing about their bowling attack
MI’s bowling attack looked thin on paper heading into IPL 2023. It proved to be the case in their opening match, with the bowling group barely firing a shot.
Yes, MI rarely win their first game and that hasn’t stopped them from winning titles before. However, whether they can trouble batting lineups regularly in IPL 2023 remains to be seen.
I really have never understood the hype over Cameron Green. Played 21 T20 games in his career with batting figures of 16.33 and 137.64. But he bowls as well I hear you say? Avg of 39, Strike rate of 26.4 and economy of 9.04. If he is worth 17.50 Crore then I’m worth 5! #RCBvMI
CSK vs LSG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2023 Match 6 | CSK vs LKN Dream11 Prediction Today | Chepauk Pitch Report
Could you imagine the noise if MS Dhoni hits another six? Or if the spinners pick up wickets thanks to a strangle of their opposition? Some things just feel like home, and Chennai Super Kings(CSK) are back at Chepauk with their beloved yellow army behind them.
Questions around CSK’s credentials away from home grew louder after defeat at Ahmedabad in IPL 2023’s opening night. Their death bowling looks a problem, so how many games they can win at Chepauk is crucial to their playoffs’ hopes. So, even though it’s still very early in the season, this game has a sense of importance about it for the hosts.
It won’t be easy against the impressive Lucknow Super Giants. After a slow start against DC on a patchy and tricky pitch, LSG then produced a near perfect display, led by overseas stars Kyle Mayers and Mark Wood. The performance highlighted their excellent depth, with that to be put to the test in conditions expected to aid spinners. A win here will set them up nicely indeed.
On The CricBlog Podcast, we shared our predictions for the IPL season. Watch here or below!
Match Details
Location: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai.
Time: 7:30pm (IST).
For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.
IPL 2023 Match 6: CSK vs LSG Possible Playing XIs
Expect CSK to employ another spinner in their lineup. Maheesh Theekshana is currently in New Zealand, so Chennai may opt to play legspinner Prashant Solanki.
If CSK bat first, they may pick Dube again ahead of a bowling option before implementing the Impact Player. If they bowl, Tushander Deshpande may get another run first up before substituting a specialist batsman, i.e. Ambati Rayudu.
Chennai Super Kings: 1. Devon Conway (OS), 2. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3. Ben Stokes (OS), 4. Moeen Ali (OS), 5. Ambati Rayudu, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 8. Mitchell Santner (OS), 9. Deepak Chahar, 10. Rajvardhan Hangargekar, 11. Prashant Solanki
LSG were impressive in their opening game against DC, but they may wish to bring in another spinner, perhaps in place of Unadkat. Amit Mishra is in the squad.
In terms of the batting order, they may bring Nicholas Pooran, who played well, up to number four. If they bat first, expect them to start and substitute Ayush Badoni once again. If they bat second, they may bring in either Gotham or a specialist bowler before subbing in the likes of Badoni if needed.
Lucknow Super Giants: 1. KL Rahul (c), 2. Kyle Mayers (OS), 3. Deepak Hooda, 4. Nicholas Pooran (OS & wk), 5. Marcus Stoinis (OS), 6. Krunal Pandya, 7. Ayush Badoni, 8. Avesh Khan, 9. Ravi Bishnoi, 10. Jaydev Unadkat/Amit Mishra, 11. Mark Wood (OS)
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Chennai Super Kings:
What a performance it was by Ruturaj Gaikwad against a strong Gujarat attack. The opener is coming off one of the classiest 92 off 50 you’ll ever see.
Moeen Ali will be vital on the Chepauk surfaces against LSG’s selection of left-handers (Mayers, Pooran, Pandya). Also, in all T20s in 2022, Moeen struck 1,263 runs at a strike rate of 149.29.
Moeen is one of CSK’s crucial spin-hitters. Since the start of 2021, Moeen has a strike rate of 195.2 against left-arm orthodox in franchise T20 cricket.
Since the start of 2020, Ravindra Jadeja has scored 576 runs at an average of 38.4 and strike rate of 147.3 in the IPL. He averages just 17.38 in 24 innings at Chepauk, but he is capable of improving on that.
With the ball at Chepauk, Jadeja has picked up 19 wickets at a strike rate of 25.26.
Rajvardhan Hangargekar had an impressive outing in Ahmedabad (3/36). He may an important option for CSK at the death, which increases his wicket-taking potential.
Deepak Chahar has picked up ten wickets in nine matches at Chepauk at an average of 25.20 and strike rate of 18.90.
Lucknow Super Giants
KL Rahul has scored two fifties in five innings at Chennai. Overall against CSK, Rahul has scored 435 runs at an average of 43.50 and strike rate of 142.62.
Also, Rahul has a superb record against Deepak Chahar. In 75 balls in the IPL, he has scored 120 runs without dismissal.
Kyle Mayers is coming off an excellent 73 off 38 balls. He was dropped by Khaleel Ahmed on 14 (15), before smashing 58 off his next 22 deliveries.
Deepak Hooda when batting at number three in all T20s: 31 inns, 978 runs, avg. 33.72, SR 147.29.
Nicholas Pooran, who hit a superb 36 off 21 in the opening match, is in fine touch. In 13 franchise T20 matches this year, Pooran has scored 426 runs at an average of 42.6 and strike rate of 145.9.
Ravi Bishnoi can be a handful on the Chepauk track. LSG may look to use him against Moeen Ali. Since the start of 2021, Moeen has been dismissed 12 times by right-arm legspin in franchise T20s, averaging just 17.2 with a strike rate of 135.3.
Five-star Mark Wood has taken 24 wickets in his last nine T20s. How he fares on the Chepauk pitch will be fascinating to see, especially if he can apply effective changes of pace.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 1, LSG 1, CSK 0.
Devon Conway vs spin in the IPL: 23 balls, 53 runs, one dismissal, SR 230.43.
Shivam Dube smashed 49 off 30 balls against LSG last season.
LSG may try Krunal Pandya to Moeen Ali. Since the start of 2021, Moeen has been dismissed seven times in 84 balls against left-arm orthodox despite his strong strike rate of 195.2.
MS Dhoni at Chepauk: 53 inns, 1,431 runs, avg. 42.09, SR 138.80. Also, against Jaydev Unadkat in the IPL, he has smashed 105 runs off 43 balls.
Ambati Rayudu has a strike rate of just 98.63 in 18 matches at Chepauk.
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai Pitch Report and Weather
Expect the Chepauk surface to suit the spinners and seamers who can change their pace. This ground hosted ten IPL matches in 2021, where the average first innings score was 154.8. The team batting first and second won five games each. A score in that region today can be a competitive one.
Spinners took 11 of the 18 wickets that fell in the recent IND-AUS 3rd ODI. A warm and clear evening is forecast in Chennai, so dew is likely.
IPL 2023 Match 6: CSK vs LSG Dream11 Prediction Today Match 3 April 2023
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: KL Rahul
Batters: Deepak Hooda, Ruturaj Gaikwad
All-rounders: Moeen Ali
Bowlers: Mark Wood
IPL 2023 Match 6: LSG vs CSK Match Prediction – Who will win?
CSK at home are always a tough nut to crack. Their team will have a number of spin options. A score of 160 batting first by either team can be a winning one.
On The CricBlog Podcast, we shared our predictions for the IPL season. Watch here or below!
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
