The 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) season heads into match 42 with Royal Challengers Bangalore set to host Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday.
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
Chris Gayle – Kings XI Punjab (10.5 credits)
The veteran Windies opener returns to stadium where he has previously registered three of his six IPL tons and that fact itself is enough to warrant a selection in our Fantasy line up.
That he has been in terrific form this campaign bodes well too with Gayle already amassing 421 runs so far in nine innings. An average of 52.62 and a strike-rate of nearly 160 is what the Jamaican has brought to the table for KXIP and he will be itching to prove a point against the franchise that opted against retaining his services in 2018.
The explosive left-hander has already struck a quick-fire unbeaten 99 against RCB at Mohali this year and all signs are currently pointing to another strong display at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
BOWLER
Dale Steyn – Royal Challengers Bangalore (8.5 credits)
The veteran South Africa pacer was a late arrival to the IPL but has already created a significant impact in just two matches for RCB.
Having returned to the franchise after a gap of nine years, Steyn has played a crucial hand in the victories over CSK and KKR with his early wickets.
In both the appearances he had made this season, the Proteas ace has struck twice inside the powerplay overs to give RCB a roaring start with the ball. Although he has been slightly expensive in the death overs, Steyn remains an excellent wicket-taking threat for Virat Kohli.
His individual duel with Gayle will be an intriguing one to watch and he can be expected to make early inroads once again if the new-ball swings.
Dale Steyn back to RCB after 9 years
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) April 21, 2019
1st game - Took wicket in first over
2nd game - Took wickets in first over
ALL-ROUNDER
Moeen Ali – Royal Challengers Bangalore (9 credits)
Royal Challengers’ recent resurgence in the IPL table has come thanks in so small part to Moeen Ali.
The England all-rounder looked lost in the early stages of the competition but he has now started to turn the screw and show why Kohli has been right in persisting with him.
His latest showing was an entertaining and crucial cameo of 26 (16) down the order in the win over CSK. Before that innings, Moeen had struck two quick-fire half-centuries on the trot against Mumbai Indians and KKR.
His form with the ball hasn’t been too bad either with his off-spin fetching him five wickets so far while his economy-rate has remained well below seven.
With the form he currently is in, expect Moeen to play a significant role for RCB once again on Wednesday.
Moeen in ominous form. Image – @IPL/Twitter.
WICKETKEEPER
KL Rahul – Kings XI Punjab (10.5 credits)
Along with Gayle, it will also be a homecoming for KL Rahul who made his IPL debut in 2013 with RCB. Like in 2018, the right-hander has once again been in excellent form for the Punjab franchise with his opening partnership with Gayle proving pivotal in several wins.
Having scored nearly 400 runs with a batting average of 57, Rahul has matched Gayle almost stride for stride with the help of one ton and four fifties.
His solid form has already earned him a maiden World Cup call up for India and he will be determined to put in another good show on his return to his home state.
CAPTAIN – KL Rahul
VICE CAPTAIN – Moeen Ali
