What a disappointing start for fans of KXIP: two games, two defeats and a loss to what looked like a weaker Delhi Daredevils side means that David Miller's team really need to get a win with this match against the new Supergiants franchise.

Pune are 1 and 1 from their openers but would have been disappointed with their most recent loss to fellow newcomers Gujarat Lions. Some say they have the best batting line up at IPL9 and MS Dhoni's men can be confident of taking the points in Mohali on Sunday.

Considering those early results, it's no surprise to see Pune as the clear favourites for this tie and the best price for Dhoni's men currently stands at 1.73 with a choice of outlets including Stan James and Coral. That leaves Kings XI as an outside punt at best odds of 2.25 with Paddy Power.

Kings certainly have the talent to turn their season around but for me, the first thing they need to do is look at their batting order. Shaun Marsh is an opener and shouldn't be at three while David Miller, who batted 3 against Pune and 4 versus the Daredevils needs to come in lower down.

Glenn Maxwell also needs a score and to play a little more responsibly but can he actually play that way?

From that selection, Marsh is favourite to score most heavily for the home side and you can pick up the Aussie left hander at a top price of 4.00 with 888Sport. Murali Vijay is next at best odds of 4.20 with Paddy Power while skipper Miller is installed at a best price of 5.50 with Paddy Power again.

If Maxwell can somehow stop playing those brainless shots then you might see some good value in an admittedly tempting best price of 7.00 with Paddy Power.

KXIP need to find a big score from somewhere as their bowling looks weak and Mitchell Johnson is really struggling after a long break. Ajinkya Rahane could be the man to take advantage of that and the opener is favourite at a best of 4.00 with Skybet to top score for RSP on Sunday.

Faf Du Plessis has found some good early season form and the South African is quoted at a top price of 4.33 with Skybet while former England man Kevin Pietersen is available at best odds of 4.50 with Boylesports.

Cool heads in the middle could see Steve Smith, at a best price of 5.50 with Coral or MS Dhoni at best odds of 9.50 with Paddy Power, give you some value at the end.

It's difficult to pick any side bets and a lot could depend on the toss, particularly if Kings XI take first knock and post a low total. No batsman to pass 50 has been a tempter throughout IPL9 and you could take that here at a best price of 4.60 with 888Sport. Alternatively, if you think a batsman from either side will get past three figures then you can take the century bet at relatively short best odds of 7.00 with Stan James and William Hill.

The concerns are already there for Kings XI even though they are only two games into this year's tournament. I think they have to win sometime and that we could see a big innings from Vijay, Marsh, Miller or Maxwell. Long term, their batting order needs sorting and their bowling attack is a definite cause for concern but they look fairly decent value for a win on Sunday.

My Picks:
  • Back Kings XI Punjab to win at 2.25 with Paddy Power.
  • Back Murali Vijay to top score for Kings XI Punjab at 4.20 with Paddy Power.
  • Back Ajinkya Rahane to top score for Rising Pune Supergiants at 4.00 with Skybet.

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