IPL 2017: Bookmakers tip RCB to win the title

What’s the story?

With just a couple of days for the Indian Premier League to kick-off, bookmakers have revealed that the Royal Challengers Bangalore are the favourites to lift the title this year. Despite there being a lot of security over illegal betting, the bookies have found new ways to hoodwink the cops. According to reports, there will be over 35 apps which would be used to place bets.

Reports also suggested that RCB are going at a rate of 3.75 for Rs 100 while Rising Pune Supergiant are going at 6.10. The Mumbai Indians are going at a rate of 6.30, and Gujarat Lions at 6.40. Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad are rated at 7.20, Delhi Daredevils at 7.60, Kolkata Knight riders at 8 and Kings XI Punjab at 11.

The Context

Ever since the inception of the IPL back in 2008, there have been a lot of sites which have been involved in betting. Websites like Bet365 and BetFair are the most commonly used ones since betting is legal on these sites in many countries.

After the spot-fixing scandal in 2013, the police have arrested numerous bookies and have increased the security as well. However, they have always found new ways to deceive the cops and continue with their operations.

The Details

According to the bookmakers, RCB were the favourites to lift the title last year as well but fell agonisingly short of their target as they lost out to the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final in Bangalore.

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They will be looking to turn their fortunes around this year and lift the title for the first time ever. However, they will have their task cut out with Virat Kohli missing the first few matches and opener KL Rahul ruled out of the entire tournament. AB de Villiers injured his back prior to the Momentum Cup final in Bangalore but as of now he is expected to feature in the playing XI from the beginning.

What's next?

The first match of the IPL will take place between defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad and last year's finalists Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on April 5th.

Author's Take

Things have turned ugly in the past due to the controversies related to the bookies with a few players being banned for being involved in the illegal act. We can only hope that betting does not interfere with what goes on in the field and we get to see a ‘clean’ tournament.

RCB, who have been named as the favourites once again will have a lot of pressure on their shoulders and they would be looking to give it their all and create history by lifting the trophy for the first time.