The Indian Premier League 2019 season is all set to start from March 23 onwards and one thing that must be going on in many fans’ minds is how to choose the right combination for fantasy sites such as Dream XI. There are many sites that offer you cash prizes when you participate in choosing your teams for IPL matches. Dream XI is generally the most preferred site among fans.
When you join Dream XI, there is an option of selecting your team and then entering a pool or a contest that mark the prize money associated with it. You get contests that have many participants and the cash prize is huge with lesser amount to enrol for. And then there are contests that have a slightly higher sum to participate, but the competitors are way lesser.
Besides Dream XI, one can also opt for sites like MyTeamXI, Indus Games, Howzat and StarPick. Majority of these sites have cash prizes on offer and the rules are almost similar.
Dream XI for instance allows you to have maximum of seven players from one team. The rules indicate what you get as far your choices are concerned. A captain makes twice(2 X) the points earned and his deputy makes (1.5 times) the points earned. As far a batsman is concerned, he gets 1 point for every 2 runs scored. Meanwhile, a bowler gets 10 points for every wicket taken.
Fielding is important as well. Smart fielders often hep you massively. A fielder gets 4 points for every catch taken. A wicket-keeper get 6 points for a stumping. Also there are special bonus points available as far millstones are concerned. A fifty or a century helps you earn them. Bonus points are also available for maiden overs, run-outs, five-wicket hauls and less economy-rate.
Ahead of IPL 2019, here are the things you should keep in mind while choosing a team for Dream XI.
What kind of batsmen shall I go with?
In terms of picking a batsman, it is essential to select a player who comes top of the order. So in this case player that can face maximum deliveries should get the nod. If you look at the IPL. then top order batsmen are generally the leading run-scorers. Also batting at the top often helps a side amass big scores.
Also pick batsmen that are in form. This will maximise your chances of getting that extra bit of points.
Also the focus would be on batsmen, who stay on the pitch longer. This will help you with gaining maximum points. As far a wicket-keeper batsman is concerned, one should try to get someone, who is strong with the bat. For example, Kings XI Punjab’s KL Rahul and Kolkata Knight Riders’ Dinesh Karthik serves more purpose because of the consistency they bring.
A wicket-keeper should also be effective behind the stumps.
How to choose all-rounders and sound bowling options?
Having top quality all-rounders is an essential ploy. All-rounders or impact players are often the most valuable players in Fantasy XI. This is because they contribute across departments. An all-rounder can bring quality with the bat and help finish off games. He can also come in and get you wickets while rolling the arms. Fielding is another strong aspect.
Moreover, it is advisable to pick an all-rounder who can bat at important positions such as number five or six. And who is sure to bowl a few overs as well. In this case, a bowling all-rounder who bats is often handy.
As far bowlers are concerned, one should rope in players who can pick up desired wickets. The idea is to get bowlers who thrive in death overs. That’s where maximum wickets tend to fall. Players like Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Trent Boult come in as useful names.
When you seek a lot of points, wickets give you the desired results rather than anything else. Keep this in mind.
What other factors come in useful?
Conditions play a strong role. One should have clear idea about where is the match being played. How’s the venue like? Does it support batsmen more than bowlers or vice versa? What’s the average batting first and second? How long are the boundaries? Keeping an eye on previous year records at the venue will prove to be essential.
The next important aspect is the condition of the pitch, Is it more spin-friendly or pace? Will spinners be more effective in getting wickets? Another vital attribute is choosing a captain well. A skipper gives you more points and that becomes crucial. Preferably, one should opt for an all-rounder as a skipper of the side.
Also if you choose a skipper from say ‘Team X’, then the ideal situation is to select a vice-captain from ‘Team Y’.
What are the things I should avoid?
Many Dream XI and other sports fantasy platform users often go in for their favourite players. That’s a clear no. Favourite players do not get you the points you are looking for. Just because you are a diehard fan of someone, doesn’t mean you have him in the side. Also another major thing to keep in mind is to avoid injury-prone players. That can rob you off serious points.
Also before selecting an IPL fantasy team before a match, one should have a clear idea of which players are likely to feature. Selecting the wrong ones means you don’t get the desired points to boost your score and earnings. Also do not enter pools that have many participants. Less competitors will maximise your chances. Our advice is that you should join leagues that have better value and less participants.
Do not go for all-rounders who are likely to just bat our bowl. Try names that give you both.