The 2019 Indian Premier League season heads into match 29 with Kolkata Knight Riders hosting Chennai Super Kings in the first game of Sunday’s double-header.
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 former.
BATSMAN
Nitish Rana – Kolkata Knight Riders (9 credits)
While there are the likes of Shane Watson and Chris Lynn to choose from, it is KKR’s Nitish Rana who gets the nod due to his incredible consistency for the franchise over the years.
The left-handed batsman has already registered two fine half-centuries in the ongoing edition and is striking the ball at a strike-rate of nearly 150. Rana’s average of 30 in the ongoing campaign guarantees its fair share of fantasy points.
With the southpaw playing in home conditions at the Eden Gardens, he can be expected to make a big impact in the clash.
BOWLER
Imran Tahir – Chennai Super Kings (9 credits)
After struggling for opportunities in the 2018 edition, veteran Imran Tahir has been a revelation in the ongoing campaign.
The 40-year-old leg-spinner has picked up nine wickets in his seven appearances so far which have all come at an outstanding economy-rate of just 5.61.
The Proteas ace’s wicket-to-wicket line and subtle variations make him a tough proposition for any batsmen to handle and his excitement and eagerness on the field is second to none.
With the Eden Gardens pitch having something for the slower bowlers, expect Tahir to continue his excellent run and add a few more scalps to his name.
"I have fallen back on #ImranTahir whenever needed and he has come up with very good performances." Says @msdhoni on our Parasakthi Hero’s bowling reliability! #ChennaiSuperKings #MSD #WhistlePodu #Yellove🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/Su5IVNoLJq
— Lokesh (@LokeshJey) April 10, 2019
ALL-ROUNDER
Andre Russell – Kolkata Knight Riders (10 credits)
There is no question at all about this pick with the West Indies all-rounder already featuring prominently in most fantasy line ups and with good reason.
Russell has now registered six consecutive scores of above 40 in the ongoing campaign with his total of 302 runs coming at a staggering strike-rate of over 212.
What’s more, the all-rounder has even chipped in substantially with the ball with six wickets to show for from his seven appearances.
Although his fitness is being carefully monitored, expect KKR to unleash Russell again on Sunday as the one-man ‘Dre Russ’ army continues to march on.
WINDIES TEAM FOR 2019 WORLD CUP@Russell12A and any other 10
— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) April 5, 2019
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📸 @KKRiders
.#KKRvRCB #AndreRussell #VIVOIPL2019 #IPL2019 #westindies #Cricket #WorldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/R7cu9hkncT
WICKETKEEPER
MS Dhoni – Chennai Super Kings (9 credits)
There are two able wicketkeeper-batsmen on both sides but it is veteran MS Dhoni who ends up as our pick due to his better current form.
The CSK skipper is averaging over 107 with the bat in the ongoing edition where he has already registered two crucial half-centuries so far in his seven appearances.
The India veteran will be eager to carry on from his match-winning innings of 58 against Rajasthan Royals in CSK’s most recent clash. Plus, his wicketkeeping abilities are second to none so one can always expect a fair few points in that department.
CAPTAIN – Andre Russell
VICE CAPTAIN – MS Dhoni
