Betting Preview of Deccan v Bangalore at Nagpur

The 46th game of the IPL this season will see the Deccan Chargers play the Royal Challengers Bangalore at Nagpur. The Chargers are currently poised second-last with ten points from 11 games, and Bangalore has 12 points from 11 matches. And despite the difference of the just the two points, there are four sides separating the two teams. >

Both the teams had won their previous games and hence, will undoubtedly be confident. However, there is always that lurking danger that a loss here could end their campaign, and that should allow them to get going and make the match-up more exciting. Deccan have beaten Bangalore on two successive occasions and will look to make the most of that momentum; however, this includes a win in the final of the previous edition of the IPL as well. >

The problem that the Chargers are facing right now is with the form of Adam Gilchrist. Gilly, while getting those 20s and 30s has not been able to get to his big one and that has ensured that the middle order has been under much pressure. The situation is not too different from what it was for Mumbai if Tendulkar failed, and the likes of Rohit Sharma, Andrew Symonds and VVS Laxman need to take up the gauntlet and ensure that they do their job well.

For the Bangalore side, it is an issue with the embarrassment of riches. Their batting is not only attractive on paper, but has also been performing rather well, in the games as well. And now, to add to their woes, even Rahul Dravid has had a half century under his belt which makes it difficult for the captain Anil Kumble to decide whom to choose and whom to leave out.

Manish Pandey was dropped from the previous game to allow S Sreeram a chance in the game and given the slow nature of the Nagpur wicket and Sreeram’s ability to bowl left-arm spinner, he should be given another go. However, the bigger worry is whether or not Kevin Pietersen can be fitted into the playing eleven, and if he gets in, who will be the foreign player dropped!

To me, Bangalore will go in as favourites for obvious reasons, but they will need to be wary of a Gilly-backlash; something that the bowlers would know at the back of their minds to pull up their socks. Bet365 offers 4/5 for a Bangalore win as compared to Sporting Bet’s 11/10 if Deccan were to win, and I would be most inclined to go with the former.