IPL Betting: Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Chris Gayle could be set for another huge score today

Monday's match sees title-chasing RCB away to mid-table Kings XI Punjab. With this ground offering the potential of very big totals, Paul Krishnamurty believes Bangalore's star-studded batting line-up should be in their element...

Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Start Time: BST (15:30)
TV: Live on ITV and itv.com

Kings XI Punjab

Any faint hopes of reaching the play-offs effectively died with defeat at Chennai last time, but Adam Gilchrist's side can take one positive from it. Their leading batsman from past IPLs, Shaun Marsh, returned to lead a gallant effort to chase down an impossible target. Failure to register competitive totals, especially on a generous home surface, has been ruinous for Kings XI but, with Marsh complimenting a powerful middle-order, perhaps we'll see some improvement in these final few matches. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore
 
The most explosive batting line-up in the history of T20 cricket are predictably right in the hunt for a play-off spot. Two more wins from their final five matches should be enough, and today's relatively weak opposition represents a golden opportunity. Six RCB batsmen are averaging over 35 in this year's IPL, headed of course by the remarkable Chris Gayle. The fact they could successfully experiment with Saurabh Tiwary as an opener in their latest victory over Pune illustrates the strength at their disposal.

First Innings Runs

If Gayle and co are going to reproduce anything like their historic 263 total, this is probably their best chance. Mohali is arguably the most batting-friendly of the main IPL grounds and the average score would be much higher if it wasn't for the weakness of the hosts. 185 wasn't enough last time here and, while Kings XI defended 157 in the previous match, it was widely agreed to be a poor total. If Bangalore bat first, I strongly recommend backing 180 plus at around 3.711/4 and to take a chance on some really big totals. 200 is within range here and should be around the 9.08/1 mark. Should Punjab bat first, set the targets ten runs lower.

Match odds

Normally, odds of 2.56/4 about the home team would catch the eye as a promising trade, on the basis that most sides trade shorter at some stage. Not today. RCB need the win, should have absolutely ideal conditions and can be trusted at 1.664/6.

Top Punjab batsman

Predicting the Punjab line-up in order is no mean feat, as we've seen them try numerous formulas. Apart from Marsh, who is a short-priced favourite, only David Hussey and David Miller stand out as certainties to be called upon to play a key part and good enough to warrant a bet. I'll go with Hussey at 5.59/2.

Top Bangalore batsman

As usual, this market is a matter of picking which superstar batsman's turn it is to top score. Gayle is typically too short at 3.02/1 so preference is for the ever-dependable run-machine Virat Kohli at 4.47/2
 
Recommended bet

Back Royal Challengers Bangalore @ 1.664/6