IPL 2019 Fantasy: Chris Gayle and Alzarri Joseph among top picks for Mumbai Indians vs KXIP

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  • MI's Alzarri Joseph. Image - BCCI/SPORTZPICS.

    The 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) season heads into match 24 with Mumbai Indians set to play host to Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday in what is the second meeting of the season between the two sides.

    As fans, watching the action is not the only thing to look forward to – IPL fantasy games mean you have the opportunity to get involved as well.

    As the IPL’s official partner, Dream11 runs a daily contest for each game apart from the default format which is conducted per round.

    Here, we focus on helping you navigate your way through the form.

    BATSMAN

    Chris Gayle – Kings XI Punjab (10.5 credits)

    There is no clear contender for this slot with the established batsmen from both sides blowing hot and cold so far.

    As such, it is the big-hitting Chris Gayle who gets the nod with his T20 prowess never being in doubt. The explosive Jamaican started the 2019 campaign with a bang against Rajasthan Royals but has since gone off the boil with cheap dismissals in his last two appearances.

    Still, the ‘Universe Boss’ never stays subdued for too long and the excellent batting surface and small boundaries at the Wankhede might just be the invitation the left-hander needs to reignite his campaign.

    BOWLER

    Alzarri Joseph – Mumbai Indians (8.5 credits)

    With Lasith Malinga still away on domestic duty in Sri Lanka, it will be West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph who will once again be expected to lead the line alongside Jason Behrendorrf for Mumbai.

    The 22-year-old pacer had a devastating impact on his IPL debut against Sunrisers Hyderabad where he finished with sensational figures of 6-12 to help Mumbai defend a paltry target of 137.

    It was the best ever display by any bowler in IPL history, let alone on debut, and it would be hard not to pick the Windies man on the back of that performance. The confidence will definitely be flowing through Joseph’s veins right now and that could translate into another prolific display on Wednesday.

    ALL-ROUNDER

    Hardik Pandya – Mumbai Indians (9.5 credits)

    It is hard to look beyond Hardik Pandya for the all-rounder’s slot given the form the India man has displayed this season.

    Having been a proven performer for Mumbai over the years, Pandya has looked in excellent touch with both bat and ball in the current campaign after an international season marred by injuries and controversies.

    The right-hander did not have the best of games in the win against Hyderabad but he has previously played three quick-fire and much-needed cameos with the bat down the order. Along with his batting contributions, Pandya has also chipped in with four wickets with the ball including a match-winning three-wicket haul against CSK.

    Back on his home ground, Pandya will relish the opportunity to land a few big blows with both bat and ball against Punjab.

    WICKET-KEEPER

    KL Rahul – Kings XI Punjab (10 credits)

    After his stupendous individual campaign in 2018, much was expected from KL Rahul in the ongoing season but the Punjab opener had an indifferent start where he failed to fire against Delhi Capitals and KKR but struck a fluent 71 in the reverse fixture against Mumbai at Mohali.

    In the last two matches however, the Rahul of 2018 has started to make an appearance with the right-hander registering back-to-back fifties. With three half-centuries now in his five appearances, the 26-year-old is starting to click into gear and he will be determined to keep this form going with a spot in India’s World Cup squad still on the line.

    CAPTAIN – KL Rahul

    VICE CAPTAIN – Hardik Pandya

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