IPL Fantasy cricket, KXIP vs DD, KKR vs RCB: 5 temptations to avoid if you want to score big on Day 2
The tournament's first double header promises a lot of action. While Ravichandran Ashwin is set to make his captaincy debut in the IPL, plenty of eyes will also be on Gautam Gambhir who returns to Delhi Daredevils.
While Kings XI look stronger than ever with some big names, there are still certain temptations that you must resist in the fantasy game StarPick. After all, there is plenty to play for as you will find out here.
It's a big day for Kohli's army as well as Royal Challengers Bangalore kick-start their campaign at a venue where they were trampled for a lowly 49 last season. The personnel at both camps have changed so that should come as a welcome relief for Kohli's men.
So who should you pick, and who should you avoid, for Eden Garden's first game of the season? Here are five temptations to avoid on matchday 2:
1. Don't hold your breath for Gaylestorm
The news is that Aaron Finch won't be available to play in his side's first game, but that doesn't necessarily mean Chris Gayle will get a go. Remember this: Mayank Agarwal has been in terrific form this season in the domestic circuit so the chances of Kings XI opting for the Karnataka trio at the top of the order are quite high.
So pinning your hopes on Gayle can backfire in that case. When it comes to the batsmen, play it safe and go after the certain starters like Rahul and Nair. For Delhi, Gambhir, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer look certainties.
2. Don't get swayed by DD's overseas batting riches
Jason Roy and Colin Munro are two top-class performers in the T20 circuit but only one of them will get to partner Gambhir at the top. Who will it be? Your guess is as good as mine.
The management can afford to flip the coin and make their choice, but can you do the same? Of course not! Wait and watch DD's first move. If the batsman they back goes on to make a significant contribution, then go ahead and invest in him for the next game.
3. Don't invest in DD's unreliable bowling attack
With Kagiso Rabada already ruled out, DD's bowling attack does look weak. Chris Morris is reliable, but who else apart from him can be picked? Mohammad Shami has never been a trustworthy option in this format.
Is Amit Mishra still venomous with the ball? Who will partner him - Jayant Yadav or Shahbaz Nadeem? Will Trent Boult get to play straight away? There are more questions than answers surrounding this attack.
4. Don't take a gamble with RCB's wicketkeeper option
Brendon McCullum's reputation is well known and so is Quinton de Kock's. Both are destructive at the top, but will they both get to play? A top four of De Kock, McCullum, Kohli and AB de Villiers is the stuff of dreams but will RCB pick both the overseas keepers?
Parthiv Patel is another option at the top; he gave Mumbai Indians several good starts and was their top run-getter in their title-winning campaign.
So once again, there isn't any sort of clarity over this one. In such cases, it's always advisable to play it safe and pick the ones who appear to be certain starters instead of investing in players who might not start in the end.
5. Should you fill your team with KKR players?
Forget about you not having a clue about KKR's overseas recruitments. Does the franchise itself have any updates on the team? Are the star foreigners fit? Are they good to go in the first game? Will it be a gamble worth taking?
What if you pick Chris Lynn and the batsman doesn't start? What if Sunil Narine isn't as effective as he was with his bowling action coming under the scanner in the PSL? No matter who you are, it's just not advisable to pick too many players from the home side for this contest.
RCB look well equipped and have been earmarked as the early favourites by many. Unless 'punt' is your middle name, there is absolutely no logic in investing on players who are either half-baked or under scrutiny.