IPL fantasy cricket, MI vs SRH: 4 tips to succeed
For a much-needed, refreshing change, we have had a low-scoring thriller last night in the IPL. What do we now expect from tonight's clash at the Wankhede? We have plenty to look forward to and we certainly have plenty of key decisions to take in order to give ourselves the best chance of succeeding in fantasy cricket.
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Here are some tips:
1. Rohit the key
Against the best bowling attack in the tournament, you need to count on one of the best batsmen to deliver. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a first-ball duck in the previous match but it was rather an unfortunate dismissal.
Rohit is the glue that binds MI's batting order and against the likes of Stanlake and Rashid, expect hitman to stand up and deliver following a mixed tournament so far.
The fact that he comes in at number 4 will be an added advantage especially since he loves going berserk at the death. And what better venue other than the Wankhede to do it? He will cost a lot but as always, it's an investment worth making.
MI have a young top order. All three batsmen - Lewis, Suryakumar and Ishan are extremely gifted as we have seen at different stages in the tournament but they have also been unpredictable.
Picking one of them to compliment Rohit sounds like the right thing to do but it's going to be a hard task. If money isn't an issue, Lewis slots in, else it's a toss-up between Suryakumar and Ishan.
2. Avoid Pollard
I don't think we need too much analysis in this one. Simply put, Kieron Pollard has been a disappointment. One can argue that he comes too low and doesn't get to bat more often but even in those opportunities he has received so far, Pollard hasn't fired.
To make matters worse, there are no signs that he will fire anytime soon. He is looking way below par and is struggling to hit those effortless boundaries that we are so used to seeing.
Mumbai Indians have also not bowled Pollard so far. It's very clear that they don't fancy Pollard the bowler. Rather, they don't need him to come in and bowl so there is already one aspect of the game that's been taken away from him.
And if you think as a batsman he can deliver against this attack, then you are being way too optimistic. Investing on Pollard is not just a gamble, but it can prove to be absolutely disastrous.
3. Markande is a must
Seven wickets in his first two games and then only one in his next three. Markande hasn't been at his best recently but the young man deserves a longer run at MI and in your team as well.
Markande helps you balance the team with his low price tag. But more importantly, Markande is someone who can always cause problems. Remember this, you have an added incentive to consider him for this big clash.
He bamboozled SRH the last time these two teams played. His four-wicket haul brought his side back into the contest and it appeared at one stage they would win it. But SRH held their nerve towards the end to break Markande's heart.
Tonight, they will have to face him once again and with Dhawan's availability still being doubtful, Markande's chances of sizzling is going to get brighter.
4. Exclude Dhawan and Bhuvi
For those of you that didn't know, Bhuvi isn't going to be playing tonight. He hasn't travelled with the team so before picking the side for tonight, just be clear on this.
Who will come in for Bhuvi? Well, SRH have a lot of options to choose from but I think they will go back to Sandeep Sharma like they did once earlier.
Also, there are concerns surrounding Dhawan. It's not clear if he has recovered completely from the blow he received a couple of games ago but even if is included at the last minute, it is advised to not pick him already. Wait and watch if the blow has had any effect on his movement.
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