IPL Fantasy 2018, DD vs CSK: 3 tips to help you earn big today
Perhaps it's the most difficult match to pick your team in fantasy. This will test you. Delhi Daredevils vs Chennai Super Kings is not a clash that will have significant consequences. One team is qualified to the next round of IPL 2018. The other one is out of the tournament. In fact, they are the only team that is out of the tournament for now. Delhi have only pride to play for whereas CSK will just look to have some momentum going into the playoffs. So how do we lineup for this? Here are some tips:
The unpredictability factor
Since DD really don't have anything to play for, can we expect some changes to their lineup? They suddenly threw in Abhishek Sharma the other night and the decision proved to be right with the youngster impressing everyone. So what if DD continue to experiment? What if DD decide to throw in one or two more new names just to see how they perform on the big stage? Their lineup could be unpredictable at this stage so I would prefer picking players who are certain to play.
It will be interesting to see who partners Prithvi Shaw but at least you know that the youngster will be given a longer rope. Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant also look certainties but the likes of Jason Roy, Colin Munro and Glenn Maxwell might not feature together. In fact, apart from Trent Boult and Sandeep Lamichhane, there are doubts over the other overseas players. Speaking of Lamichhane, the youngster should get the nod in your side.
From the CSK camp, quite bizarrely, MS Dhoni has been making a few changes every game. That's not something you would associate with Dhoni but the changes have brought in some unpredictability. And hence, I wouldn't advice fantasy users to invest on someone like Sam Billings and David Willey. Lungi Ngidi might be back for this clash but it's better to wait and watch than take a punt and see the player sit out of the clash. With CSK playing the guessing game with regards to Karn Sharma, it's best to not pick him as well.
Lessons from the previous game
More than 400 runs were scored when these two teams met last time in Pune earlier in the season. A repeat is on the cards this time as well considering the venue. Among the top five, only Suresh Raina missed out for CSK last time. Shane Watson was at his best while Dhoni provided the finishing touches with a quickfire half-century. And then, there is also Ambati Rayudu, who is certain to be a part of every single team in fantasy.
From DD, Pant was in terrific form in the match at Pune and considering his recent exploits, it's a no-brainer to always have in the side going forward. Another man who impressed was Vijay Shankar. After struggling at the start, he was able to hit Dwayne Bravo for four sixes and that's quite handy. Even though he is not a popular option, I would go with him for this game.
Players for the conditions
Shorter boundaries and a surface that's usually flat, at times assisting spin, this is a perfect venue for the big-hitters. There is no doubt that I will pick Amit Mishra for this contest since he knows these conditions well but then this is also a venue where I will unleash someone like Raina. Even the mishits can go beyond the boundary ropes. I will still be watchful with regards to Watson especially against Boult but if there is room for more money to be spent, pick him.
The likes of Rayudu and Dhoni pick themselves and Iyer should slot into your side for this game considering his big-hitting abilities. Dwayne Bravo, despite not being in good form, will be a wise option on this surface especially if it plays a little slow. Also, considering the fact that the DD middle order is not too experienced, Bravo might fancy his chances to pick up a few wickets with his tricks.