IPL 2019 Fantasy Round 8: Hardik Pandya and Imran Tahir must-haves, two wicketkeepers a good strategy

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  • Hardik Pandya.

    We are in the final stretch of IPL 2019 and round eight of the fantasy league – run by official partners Dream 11 – is upon us.

    Fantasy players will once again benefit from unlimited transfers as the tournament’s progress into the playoffs mean only four teams will be in action the penultimate round.

    Here are our top tips to help you navigate this round of IPL fantasy.

    TOP TIP FOR ROUND 8:

    Two wicketkeepers

    Only three batsman still in the competition are among the top 10 run-scorers this season. With the best hitters no longer active, it’s worth picking up two wicketkeepers instead with the likes of Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni and Quinton de Kock all among the runs this season while also capable of racking up points for dismissals. With few good all-rounders available as well, an extra bowler could prove crucial.

    BATSMEN

    Shikhar Dhawan (10.5 credits)

    The opener seemed destined for a spot on the ‘biggest flops’ list early on this season but began to click as the competition wore on, hitting three half-centuries on the bounce at one point. He’s disappointed in his last couple of outings but remains a prime option heading into the playoffs.

    Rohit Sharma (10.5 cr)

    The Mumbai Indians skipper has hardly scaled the heights of previous seasons, scoring only two half-centuries in the 2019 edition. However, scores of 67, 12, 24 and 55* in his last four innings, suggests he may be regaining some form at the right time. He’s a player for the big occasion and on his day, can single-handedly guide his side to victory.

    Manish Pandey (9.5 cr)

    If he doesn’t do it for Sunrisers Hyderabad, there’s little chance of anyone else coming good. Prior to his most recent knock, Manish Pandey had registered three fifties – including 71* and 83* – and a score of 36 in his preceding four innings. Hyderabad aren’t the team they were with David Warner and Jonny Bairstow gone but Pandey offers some hope.

    BOWLERS

    Imran Tahir (7.5 cr)

    At his price, this season’s second-highest wicket-taker is an absolute steal. With 21 wickets at an average of 16.52 and economy of 6.50 for Chennai Super Kings, Imran Tahir is a no-brainer. The South African spinner’s recent spell of 4-12 against Delhi Capitals was evidence of how good he can be in the shortest format.

    0605 ipl fantasy2

    Ishant Sharma (8 cr)

    With this season’s best bowler Kagiso Rabada injured, Ishant Sharma enters the fold because of the value he offers. In the South African’s absence, he is the spearhead of Delhi’s pace attack, he’s Indian and will only cost you eight credits. His three wickets last time out against Rajasthan Royals were encouraging.

    Jasprit Bumrah (9.5 cr)

    Only sixth for wickets this season but with an economy of 6.78, India’s premier seamer remains among the most impressive bowlers in the IPL. His recent Super Over heroics also points to his temperament under pressure, a key attribute at this stage.

    ALL-ROUNDERS

    Hardik Pandya (10 cr)

    Mumbai Indians have consistently turned to Hardik Pandya whether it’s with the bat or ball and the 25-year-old has come up trumps for them. His power-hitting down the order has been key while 14 wickets this season only makes him more appealing. Apart from the star all-rounder, only Andre Russell has scored over 300 runs and taken more than 10 wickets this season.

    Ravindra Jadeja (8 cr)

    Ravindra Jadeja has been remarkably consistent this season and is a steady source of fantasy points with 256 under his belt so far. A healthy average of 33.66 is impressive considering how low he bats while 13 wickets in the current campaign has proved more than useful along with a tidy economy of 6.44.

    Krunal Pandya (9 cr)

    Given the dearth of options available in this position, it may be worth doubling up with another Mumbai asset by bringing in another Pandya. Krunal hasn’t been as explosive as his brother but 10 wickets this season along with a few runs under his belt, he earns a mention. However, a second wicketkeeper or even a fourth bowler – Deepak Chahar has been consistent – instead of a third all-rounder may be the way to go.

    WICKETKEEPERS

    MS Dhoni (9.5 cr)

    Surely this is where Dhoni really comes into his element. With a staggering average of 122.66, the veteran skipper has already impressed this season, hitting three 50s so far. His 1.083 dismissals per innings this campaign is behind only Rishabh Pant.

    Quinton de Kock (9.5 cr)

    The South African narrowly edges out Pant here. The Indian is well ahead on dismissals (23 to 15) but Quinton de Kock’s form at the top of the order gives him the nod. He’s hit three 50s and two scores over 30 in his last eight matches.

    Captain: Hardik Pandya

    Vice-captain: Quinton de Kock

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