We are in the final stretch of IPL 2019 and round seven of the fantasy league – run by official partners Dream 11 – is upon us.
Things get tricky from here as England players have left and Australian players will depart this week, leaving the West Indies, New Zealand and South African players to chose from. All teams play two games each this week so there are no obvious picks or omissions.
With that said, here are our top tips to help you navigate this round of IPL fantasy.
TOP TIP FOR ROUND 7:
Be wary of tactical omissions
Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings have already qualified for the knockouts. Chances are, they might rest some key players to keep them fresh for the next phase. Seamers Kagiso Rabada and Deepak Chahar might get some rest, so could MS Dhoni to mend his bad back and recover from illness.
BATSMEN
Shikhar Dhawan (10.5 credits)
The Delhi Capitals batsman has improved as the tournament has gone on. Overcoming horrendous batting conditions at home, the southpaw has hit three successive fifties and three out of his last four games have come in Delhi where he has scored 35 or more. Should continue to do well.
Chris Gayle. Image credit – @IPL/Twitter.
Chris Gayle (10 cr)
The Kings XI Punjab batsman will soon be among the top three batsmen remaining in the competition. The left-hander has scored a fifty in three out of his last five games (before the SRH match). With both Punjab games at home, Gayle should be able to get a few more runs under his belt.
Ajinkya Rahane (9.5 cr)
Ever since the Rajasthan Royals captaincy burden has been taken away from him, Rahane has played like a rejuvenated batsman. A century and a couple of 30s in this last three games make the top order batsman a good option.
BOWLERS
Kagiso Rabada (8.5 cr)
Why change what is working perfectly? The South African pace spearhead has been in sensational form for Delhi Capitals, with a staggering 25 wickets from 12 matches. A bit of a gamble whether he plays both games but worth it as he is averaging two wickets per match.
Rahul Chahar. Image: BCCI/SPORTZPICS.
Rahul Chahar (7 cr)
The Mumbai Indians leg-spinner has been a revelation, picking up seven wickets in his last four games. Had an off day against Andre Russell, but who hasn’t? Has shown excellent control and variations so far so should be able to pick up a few more.
Varun Aaron (8 cr)
A late entry in IPL 2019, the Rajasthan Royals quick has been a breath of fresh air. Bowling at high pace and getting the ball to nip back in a mile, Aaron has stumped a few batsmen with his version of the knuckle ball. Should be fresh enough for more wickets.
ALL-ROUNDERS
Andre Russell (10 cr)
No point recommending anyone ahead of him here. The KKR marauder blasted his team management for pushing him down the order. Against Mumbai, he backed his words with a superlative all-round display of 80*, two wickets and two catches. Simply unstoppable.
Hardik Pandya (10 cr)
What Russell can do, Hardik can match. Against KKR, the Mumbai Indians star did the unthinkable and almost outplayed Russell with a sensational 91 off 34 balls. Plus he is picking up a wicket almost every game. A fantasy guarantee.
Hardik Pandya.
WICKETKEEPERS
Rishabh Pant (9.5 cr)
While the Delhi keeper is known for his explosive batting, his keeping has been a big plus with Pant becoming the first gloveman to affect 20 dismissals in an IPL season. Expect him to be even more dangerous now that playoff spot has been secured.
Parthiv Patel (8.5 cr)
KL Rahul isn’t keeping gloves while Sanju Samson is a designated batsman. So RCB’s Parthiv Patel can be a safe pick for the two matches. There will hardly be any pressure on him as Bangalore are down and almost out, so that could work in Patel’s favour.
Captain: Andre Russell
Vice-captain: Shikhar Dhawan
