IPL Fantasy 2018, DD vs MI, CSK vs KXIP: 4 tips to help you earn big today
So here it is, the final double-header of IPL 2018. There is still one point up for grabs and right now it appears like Mumbai Indians are the favourites to grab it as they take on Delhi Daredevils in the first game of the day.
In the second, Kings XI Punjab will have to come up with something special to find their way through to the playoffs. As these two teams jostle to nail that final spot, we take a look at some pointers to consider while picking our fantasy teams:
MI want it more
DD have nothing to play for. They had a blast out there against CSK but whenever MI have something riding, they usually tend to turn up and that's precisely why I would prefer my squad to have more MI players than DD players.
It feels like MI always have a point to prove ahead of the playoffs. They have made a habit out of it. We saw the way Bumrah and Pollard turn up the other day.
Both are vital for this contest but I still won't pick Bumrah. I think his impact can still be minimised but if Pollard gets going, it's going to be very hard for DD to stop. There is a case to pick him.
The boundaries at Delhi are short and the surface has been slow on many occasions. Pollard has time and time again showed that he is better suited on playing in these conditions. So do not view the last match as a one-off.
Spin, spin and more spin
Krunal Pandya, Mayank Markande, Amit Mishra and if possible, Sandeep Lamichhane as well. Including all four is a risk but including three out of these four is something any fantasy user can afford.
Mishra, in particular, has been amazing at the Feroz Shah Kotla, bringing his experience into play. And of course with Markande, there is also this unpredictability factor.
If DD find it difficult to read him, then on a helpful surface, he is going to end up with loads of wickets against a batting lineup that doesn't appear to be having the patience.
Gayle is vital
With a negative run rate, the only way I see a way back for KXIP is via someone like Chris Gayle. The big man delivered previously against CSK in the season but he has to do it again. In fact, the might have to do a bit more.
He has to go on an all-out attack against the opposition and hope he makes a big score. That's precisely why you cannot afford to leave him out even though the scores haven't been coming in recent games.
If Gayle goes on to make a big impact, it will help you and KXIP at the same time. His opening partner KL Rahul is just on another new level.
I don't think anyone would even take a risk leaving him out. He has been outstanding and having both these openers can prove to be a masterstroke.
Players to avoid
For the first game, I would say avoid picking anyone among Maxwell, Roy and Munro. All three have failed to light up the IPL and with the surface expected to be slow, I don't think any of these will succeed.
From MI's point of view, it has to be Lewis. I don't think he would like this surface either even though the boundaries are shorter.
For KXIP, someone like Axar Patel isn't completing his role. Manoj Tiwary is coming way down the order and Yuvraj Singh has been poor. Who do you want to trust among these in a crunch game? Do not take any undue risks.
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