IPL 2015 Schedule: Forthcoming Fixtures, Odds, Live Stream Info and More
After getting a good look at four of the eight teams involved in this year’s Indian Premier League, the remaining four outfits will be looking to make an early statement as the 2015 tournament well and truly gets underway.
Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals find themselves on collision course, and below we provide a closer look at the next upcoming clash, as well as who the bookmakers are fancying to savour glory and all the information you need on where to catch the action live.
| April 10 | 3:30 p.m | Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals | 8/15 | 28/17 |
| April 11 | 11:30 a.m. | Chennai Super Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad | 8/15 | 7/4 |
| April 11 | 3:30 p.m | Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore | Evens | Evens |
| April 12 | 11:30 a.m. | Delhi Daredevils v Rajasthan Royals | 5/6 | 10/11 |
| April 12 | 3:30 p.m | Mumbai Indians v Kings XI Punjab | 10/9 | 4/6 |
| April 13 | 3:30 p.m | Royal Challengers Bangalore v Sunrisers Hyderabad | 4/11 | 6/4 |
| April 14 | 3:30 p.m | Rajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians | 8/13 | 8/15 |
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Matches can be streamed via Sky Go (UK). Full tournament odds can be found here. Odds accurate as of 2 p.m. (BST) April 9.
Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals
The heartache of a final loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 will surely be driving this Kings XI team this year. As such, skipper George Bailey shouldn’t have to motivate his team too much ahead of this encounter against the Rajasthan Royals.
The Royals also suffered a frustrating end to their campaign, losing three consecutive matches at the end of the group stages and relinquishing their grip on a playoff spot. Shane Watson is leading the team this year and will be desperate to add some patented Aussie grit to the undeniable talent that’s in the squad.
Here’s a look at a player for each side that’s capable of making the difference in this one.
Glenn Maxwell—Kings XI
At the start of the 2014 tournament, Kings XI looked as though they were capable of romping to eventual victory and that was down in the main to the exceptional displays of Glenn Maxwell.
Batting up the order, the Aussie all-rounder had more time to swing the bat and make devastating contributions for his team. His ability to settle into a groove quickly, play all-around the wicket and unsettle the opposition bowlers makes him one of the most dangerous players in this 20-over format.
As noted by OptaJim, Maxwell has shown he can be extremely destructive in this competition:
A year on from his stunning performances, the Aussie is arguably a better and more confident player. After all, he played a key role for his side in winning the 2015 World Cup and, with the extra responsibility handed to him by Kings XI, he could potentially have even more of an impact on this year’s competition.
Here's a look at some of his best moments from 12 months ago:
The key for the Royals will be to restrict him early and try to frustrate a player who loves to score runs quickly. If they allow Maxwell to entrench himself at the crease, the Rajasthan bowling attack could go to all corners.
James Faulkner—Royals
One man who will be vital in halting Maxwell is the Aussie all-rounder James Faulkner. Like his compatriot, he was also involved in that glorious victory for the Baggy Greens, with astute contributions with both bat and ball giving Australia an extra edge in their matches.
He’s reaffirmed his desire to flourish in this particular format and how thankful he is that the Royals took a punt on his qualities three seasons ago, per the team's official Twitter feed:
In truth, it must have been an easy decision for the Rajasthan outfit. After all, Faulkner is not only a wonderfully versatile cricketer, but he seems to have a penchant for coming out on top in big moments, whether it’s finishing off the innings with the bat, taking an important wicket with the ball or making a key play in the field.
As noted by the ICC Twitter feed, Faulkner’s big-game pedigree was on show in earnest as he picked up the Player of the Match award in the World Cup final:
When it comes to this quickfire format, those little shifts in momentum can be so important in swinging a match one way or another. Against this classy Kings XI lineup, Faulkner is going to have a huge role to play in seizing the initiative for his team and getting their 2015 campaign off to the best possible start.
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