Experts Have Two Favourites For IPL 2023 Play-Off Spots. One Of Them Has Never Won The IPL

04.04.2023 - 13:11 sports.ndtv.com

With every team playing at least one game in the IPL 2023 they have given a peek at their strengths and weaknesses in the early stage of the tournament.

With their performances, all ten teams in IPL have displayed their game plans and strategies they will apply in the marquee competition.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) - who won their opening games quite convincingly and ticked off all the boxes with their all-round show - look like a team to beat and in their early predictions the experts have backed these two sides to make it to the playoffs stage.

Speaking to Star Sports former Australia all-rounder David Hussey said, "RR and LSG to are looking to finish as the top two teams at the end of the league stage." Speaking to Star Sports, legendary South Africa cricketer Jacques Kallis - who apart from playing in the IPL has been a coach of KKR in the past - said, "I think RR and DC have it in them to finish as the top two teams in IPL 2023." Former West Indies cricketer Daren Ganga has gone with RCB and GT as the top two teams.

cricket Royal Challengers Bangalore experts Aaron Finch West Indies Chris Gayle Star Sports Jacques Kallis Rajasthan Royals Australia South Africa Bangalore

In match number 32 of IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals' Yashasvi Jaiswal showed amazing reflexes to run out Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Faf du Plessis. Batting on 62, the RCB batter hit Sandeep Sharma's lower full toss towards the extra cover region on the second ball of the 14th over. Jaiswal stopped the ball inside the circle and threw it quickly towards the non-striker's end. An accurate throw from the RR star saw him hitting the bull's eye with Faf being caught well short of his crease.

Watch: IPL 2023 - Virat Kohli Dismissed For Golden Duck vs RR, RCB Fans Left Stunned

The crowd at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru were left stunned as Virat Kohli was dismissed for a golden duck in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 encounter against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. The dismissal took place on the very first ball of the match as Trent Boult bowled a straight delivery that swung a bit in the air and Kohli ended up missing the line completely. The ball crashed into his pads and the umpire had no hesitations in giving his decision in favour of the bowler. This was the 10th duck for Kohli in the IPL till now and among them, seven have been golden ducks.

IPL 2023: Here's Why RCB Players Are Wearing Green Jersey Against RR

Royal Challengers Bangalore are sporting the green jersey made from recycled stadium waste during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 encounter against Rajasthan Royals in Bengaluru on Sunday. It is an initiative that the franchise has undertaken since the 2011 season in order to spread awareness for a cleaner and greener environment. The team also sports the green jersey in one of their matches and this year, the mission for RCB will be to restore two lakes in South Bengaluru and the initiative will be spread to 200 schools across the state as part of the “Go Green” initiative.

RR Predicted XI Against RCB In IPL 2023: Will Under-FIre Riyan Parag Be Dropped By Rajasthan?

Rajasthan Royals remain top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 standings but there remain a few concerns for the franchise's bosses to address. One of the worries for the team is the form of all-rounder Riyan Parag who has been allotted the finisher's role in the team. Parag's bat hasn't done the talking in a single match this campaign. In the match against the Bengaluru franchise, the management could decide to give one of the other youngsters in the team a chance.

IPL 2023: Ex-India Star Reveals Virat Kohli's 'Captaincy Masterstroke' In Win Over PBKS

With skipper Faf du Plessis unable to field due to a rib injury, Virat Kohli took over captaincy duty for Royal Challengers Bangalore during their game against Punjab Kings on Thursday. Kohli, who had stepped down from captaincy after IPL 2021, donned the captaincy hat for RCB, leading his team to a crucial 24-run win at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. RCB posted a total of 174/4 on the back of Faf (84) and Kohli's (59) 137-run partnership for the first wicket.

IPL 2023: Updated Points Table, Orange And Purple Cap Standings After CSK vs SRH Match

Chennai Super Kings secured their 4th win in the first 6 matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets. While Ravindra Jadeja led the wicket-taking charts for CSK, bagging 3 wickets for 22 runs in the match, Devon Conway scored another half-century to strengthen his case for the Orange Cap. With the win, Chennai remained at the third spot in the points table, behind leaders Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants on the basis of a slightly inferior Net Run Rate.