IPL 2018: Tips and tricks to pick your fantasy XI
What's the story
Indian Premier League is back with a bang and so are the online fantasy cricket games.
Playing a fantasy game requires one to have basic information like knowledge of the pitch, injury-prone players and players who are sure to be a part of playing XI.
Let's look at some tips and tricks to create a great fantasy XI for upcoming IPL encounters.
Pitch
Ground information before creating a team
Before creating a team, one needs to study the pitch.
By this, we mean the kind of pitch (batting/bowling friendly), size of ground (as smaller grounds mean more boundaries), past record of the teams on the ground, and if home advantage would be a factor in this tie.
Decide your playing XI based on these factors.
Moreover, please be mindful of the minimum requirements.
Information
7 combinations available on Dream 11
Dream 11 Fantasy League, for instance, allows one to create 7 combinations of players with a minimum requirement of at least 1 wicket keeper, 3 batsmen, 1 all-rounder and 3 bowlers.
Top order the key
Things to keep in mind while picking batsmen and wicket-keeper
When it comes to picking a batsman, it is important to pick someone who comes top of the order and plays aggressive yet long innings.
This ensures that the batsman stays on pitch longer, giving one maximum points.
Similarly, opt for a wicketkeeper, who apart from being good at his job, comes in to bat early.
This would help you to score more points.
Information
Don't be tempted to go for favorites
One can easily be tempted to pick favorites over the ones who fit the situation right. This includes picking a favorite player or picking more players from one's favorite team over better available options. Remember, heart over mind doesn't score points.
Whom to consider?
The crucial all-rounders' selection
All-rounders are the most valuable players in IPL.
One must select a player who will definitely be involved in both batting and bowling departments.
It is not wise to go for a batting all-rounder who may or may not bowl. Similarly, a bowling all-rounder may not get a chance to bat.
You need to pick someone who bats atop and bowls 3-4 overs.
Death-over specialists
Wicket takers over run chokers
A good bowler may be someone who concedes fewer runs.
But it doesn't make him a good fantasy league bowler.
As per the points system, wickets are more valued than maintaining an economy rate.
You should always pick bowlers who can scalp wickets, preferably death-overs specialist.
For instance, Amit Mishra fielded with an intent to take wickets will score more than an economy spinner.
Double the points
Pick captain and vice-captain carefully
Deciding your team's captain and vice-captain is the most important aspect.
Most participants tend to have several common players in their team and good captain and vice-captain can often be the differentiating point, as they are given double and 1.5x the points scored, respectively.
Picking an informed all-rounder for captain and vice-captain can prove to be a wise choice.