April is the heart of the Indian Premier League. By the time the first ball is bowled in the month, the tournament is in full flow – teams have found their combinations, overseas stars have settled in, and the points table starts to take shape. For cricket fans and punters alike, this is where the real action begins.
In 2026, the IPL schedule is packed with 21 matches across April, including double‑headers every weekend, high‑profile rivalries, and crucial mid‑table battles. Whether you’re following from the stands, on TV, or tracking every ball for your betting slip, here’s your complete calendar for the month.
IPL 2026 – The April Structure
The tournament kicked off in the last week of March. By 1 April, all ten teams have played at least two matches, and the league phase moves into its critical middle stretch. April will see:
- 21 league matches (3–4 matches per week, with weekend double‑headers)
- One match per day on weekdays, two on Saturdays and Sundays
- Day matches: 3:30 PM IST
- Evening matches: 7:30 PM IST
All venues are back to full home‑and‑away format, with each team playing seven home games across the season.
Week‑by‑Week IPL April Schedule
Week 1 (1–6 April)
| Date | Match (Home vs Away) | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr | Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings | Wankhede, Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| 2 Apr | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans | Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 3 Apr | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 4 Apr | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals | Uppal, Hyderabad | 3:30 PM |
| 4 Apr | Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings | Arun Jaitley, Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| 5 Apr | Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Chepauk, Chennai | 3:30 PM |
| 5 Apr | Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Wankhede, Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| 6 Apr | Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
Key Match: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (1 April) – the season’s first El Clasico. Both teams traditionally start slow, but this early clash sets the tone for the month.
Betting Angle: Early‑season form can be deceptive. Look for team‑specific strengths like CSK’s spin‑friendly Chepauk record or MI’s batting depth at Wankhede. Top batsman and top bowler markets often offer value before the market settles.
Week 2 (7–13 April)
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Apr | Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Ekana, Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
| 8 Apr | Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals | Mullanpur, Chandigarh | 7:30 PM |
| 9 Apr | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians | Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 10 Apr | Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Chepauk, Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| 11 Apr | Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals | Ahmedabad | 3:30 PM |
| 11 Apr | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants | Uppal, Hyderabad | 7:30 PM |
| 12 Apr | Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Sawai Mansingh, Jaipur | 3:30 PM |
| 12 Apr | Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings | Mullanpur, Chandigarh | 7:30 PM |
| 13 Apr | Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans | Wankhede, Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
Key Match: RCB vs MI (9 April) – two heavyweights with massive fan bases. RCB’s batting firepower at Chinnaswamy against MI’s pace attack makes this a high‑scoring favourite.
Betting Angle: By the second week, net run rate (NRR) starts to matter. Team to win the toss can be crucial at venues like Chepauk or Ekana where chasing has a statistical edge. Consider total sixes markets for Chinnaswamy and Wankhede matches.
Week 3 (14–20 April)
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Apr | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 15 Apr | Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings | Ekana, Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
| 16 Apr | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Arun Jaitley, Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| 17 Apr | Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings | Sawai Mansingh, Jaipur | 7:30 PM |
| 18 Apr | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru | 3:30 PM |
| 18 Apr | Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| 19 Apr | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals | Uppal, Hyderabad | 3:30 PM |
| 19 Apr | Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians | Mullanpur, Chandigarh | 7:30 PM |
| 20 Apr | Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans | Chepauk, Chennai | 7:30 PM |
Key Match: RR vs CSK (17 April) – a battle of spin masters at Jaipur. Ravichandran Ashwin (if playing) against his former team adds extra spice.
Betting Angle: Mid‑season fatigue can affect teams with heavy travel schedules. Check injury updates before placing bets – unexpected rest to key players often shifts lines significantly. Player performance markets (runs, wickets, catches) can be more predictable once roles are settled.
Week 4 (21–27 April)
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Apr | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 22 Apr | Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Ekana, Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
| 23 Apr | Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings | Arun Jaitley, Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| 24 Apr | Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Wankhede, Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| 25 Apr | Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans | Mullanpur, Chandigarh | 3:30 PM |
| 25 Apr | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals | Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 26 Apr | Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants | Chepauk, Chennai | 3:30 PM |
| 26 Apr | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 27 Apr | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings | Uppal, Hyderabad | 7:30 PM |
Key Match: CSK vs LSG (26 April) – Chepauk’s spin vs LSG’s powerful middle order. Could be a playoff preview.
Betting Angle: By late April, playoff scenarios start to emerge. Team to qualify (top 4) markets begin to see movement. If a team is already out of contention, they may experiment with lineup – impacting top batsman and total runs markets.
Final Days (28–30 April)
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Apr | Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals | Wankhede, Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| 29 Apr | Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| 30 Apr | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals | Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
Key Match: RCB vs DC (30 April) – both teams often find themselves in mid‑table logjams; this could be a virtual knockout.
Betting Angle: Top 4 finish odds can be locked in as early as now if a team is on a winning streak. Check head‑to‑head records – some teams have historical dominance over others regardless of form.
Players to Watch in April 2026
Based on early season form and past IPL trends, these players are likely to dominate headlines and betting markets:
| Player | Team | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | Chepauk specialist; consistent run‑scorer at home. |
| Jasprit Bumrah | MI | Death‑over economy rate; wicket‑taking ability at Wankhede. |
| Rashid Khan | GT | Mystery spinner who thrives on Ahmedabad’s large boundaries. |
| Phil Salt | KKR | Explosive opener; Eden Gardens’ short boundaries suit his power game. |
| Tristan Stubbs | DC | Finisher role; likely to feature in many “top 4” and “sixes” markets. |
| Nicholas Pooran | LSG | Destructive middle‑order hitter; key in death overs. |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | RR | Consistent run machine; can anchor or accelerate. |
| Shubman Gill | GT | Captain and top‑order anchor; high average at home. |
Betting Markets That Heat Up in April
April is when IPL betting volumes peak. Here are the markets that see the most action:
1. Match Winner
Odds shift based on toss, venue, and team news. Home advantage is significant – check each venue’s win/loss record for the past three seasons.
2. Top Batsman / Top Bowler
Player form becomes more reliable after 3–4 matches. Look for consistent performers at specific grounds – e.g., Gaikwad at Chepauk, Bumrah at Wankhede.
3. Total Runs (Over/Under)
Venue‑based: Chinnaswamy, Wankhede, and Eden Gardens typically have higher totals; Chepauk, Ekana, and Mullanpur are more bowler‑friendly.
4. Player Performance (Runs + Wickets + Catches)
All‑rounders like Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel are popular in these markets.
5. In‑Play (Live) Betting
The most dynamic market – especially during the middle overs when momentum shifts. Live odds change every ball, creating opportunities for sharp punters who can read game situations.
6. Top 4 Finish / Winner
Futures markets see heavy action in April as the playoff picture clears. Early‑season odds often provide value if you spot a team with a favourable schedule.
Tips for Betting on IPL in April
- Watch the toss: Teams chasing at venues like Wankhede, Chinnaswamy, and Uppal have a significant advantage. Toss‑based betting (e.g., “Team to win the toss and match”) can be profitable.
- Follow weather forecasts: April can bring evening showers in some cities (Bengaluru, Kolkata). A shortened match changes the dynamic – DLS (Duckworth‑Lewis‑Stern) can make totals unpredictable.
- Monitor player availability: Overseas players may leave for national duty or rest; always check the official playing XI before placing bets.
- Use multiple bookmakers: Odds vary across platforms. Sky247 Cricket offers competitive odds and a seamless mobile experience for live betting.
- Bankroll discipline: IPL is fast‑paced; it’s easy to get carried away. Set daily limits and stick to your unit sizes.
April’s Marquee Fixtures – Mark Your Calendar
| Date | Match | Why It’s Big |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr | MI vs CSK | Season’s first Clasico; blockbuster opener |
| 9 Apr | RCB vs MI | Battle of batting giants at Chinnaswamy |
| 17 Apr | RR vs CSK | Spin battle at Sawai Mansingh |
| 26 Apr | CSK vs LSG | Potential playoff preview |
| 30 Apr | RCB vs DC | Could decide final playoff spot |
Conclusion
April is where the IPL truly comes alive. With 21 matches spanning every possible time slot, fans and punters are in for a month of non‑stop cricket. From the opening El Clasico to the final‑week playoff scrambles, every match carries weight – and for those who follow the numbers, there’s value to be found in every market.
Whether you’re backing your favourite team, betting on individual brilliance, or just enjoying the carnival, this April promises to be unforgettable.
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