The first week of IPL 2019 is winding up and we have had had some sensational performances, close finishes and more than a couple of controversies.
The action has been equally intense on the Dream 11 Fantasy League – official partners of the IPL. With the second round set to get underway from Saturday, we are here with a few tips to help you make the best decision.
TOP TIP FOR ROUND 2
Delhi are in, go easy on Kolkata
The second round is such that Kolkata Knight Riders play only one game in this stretch while the Delhi Capitals feature as many as three times. It’s a no-brainer therefore to have more Delhi flavour in your fantasy team and keep your Kolkata exposure to the bare minimum, if at all.
BATSMEN
AB de Villiers (10.5 credits)
Royal Challengers Bangalore star AB de Villiers is starting to come into his own, taking his team to within one hit of a sensational win against Mumbai Indians. He has rarely had a poor IPL and the runs should continue to flow.
Ab De Villiers. Image: BCCI/SPORTZPICS.
Virat Kohli (11.5cr)
After the no-ball controversy, expect Kohli to be fired up. He entered the league with questions raised about his captaincy. And now that Bangalore feel they were robbed of a win as the umpire failed to spot a no-ball off the final delivery of the game against Mumbai, Kohli is likely to double down.
Rohit Sharma (10.5 cr)
The Mumbai skipper was in fine nick against RCB and is almost certain to go big as the next two games are in Mohali and Mumbai – two good batting tracks.
As Mumbai have a habit of getting better as the tournament goes on, expect Rohit to be the same.
BOWLERS
Jasprit Bumrah (9.5cr)
There simply isn’t a better death bowler at the moment than the Mumbai Indians quick. His extraordinary death bowling – last three overs for just eight runs with ABD going great guns – against RCB set the stage for a thrilling win. As long as he is fit, you pick even a half-asleep Bumrah.
Bumrah
Kagiso Rabada (8.5cr)
Delhi play three matches so it’s imperative to have the South African quick. Not only has he been among the wickets, his economy of 6.3 has been exemplary. Can be as good as Bumrah at the death on his day.
Yuzvendra Chahal (8.5cr)
The leg-spinner is in his elements in the T20 league, staying among the wickets and keeping the scoring down. The Bangalore leggie should be on a high, with five scalps from two games and a maiden under his belt.
WICKETKEEPERS
Rishabh Pant (9.5 cr)
The Delhi keeper batsman is the man of the moment. He seems in the mood for some serious damage and with Delhi playing three times in round two, should fetch a truckload of fantasy points. His gloves should be an added bonus, especially if used as captain or vice captain.
Jos Buttler (10 cr)
Ravi Ashwin ran Jos Buttler out in Jaipur. Image: BCCI/SPORTZPICS
The Rajasthan Royals star batsman must be still smarting from the Ravi Ashwin run-out. He is looking in sensational touch and should fetch enough points with the bat and behind the stumps. Cash in while he is still in India.
ALL-ROUNDERS
Axar Patel (8 cr)
The Delhi left-arm spinner is a nifty player who can bowl some quiet overs, pick up a wicket or two and hit some long balls lower down the order. Over three matches, he is almost certain to come good twice in either of the disciplines.
Andre Russell (10 cr)
Yes, Kolkata play just one game this period. But such is Russell’s form that he is almost certain to pick up wickets and smash boundaries, maybe even pick up a catch or two. One regular Russell day will be a goldmine of fantasy points.
CAPTAIN: Rishabh Pant
VICE-CAPTAIN: AB de Villiers
For the very latest news, analysis and opinion download the Sport360 app
