Nowadays, one of the most talked-about topics not only in India but all over the world is fantasy cricket. In short, it is an online game in which you create a virtual cricket team from players and earn points based on their performance.
The skill-based game of fantasy cricket is becoming increasingly popular, helping cricket fans form a strong emotional connection to their favourite sport.
To win at fantasy cricket, you need a combination of strategic thinking, in-depth sports knowledge, and intuition. You can win games or leagues if you know some simple tips and strategies. In this guide, we will talk about 10 tips that will help you get the most out of playing fantasy cricket.
10 Tips for Making the Most of Fantasy Cricket
This article is for those people who are interested in fantasy cricket. Here you get 10 main tips that you should know. Do take a look at the points shown once; this information can be beneficial for you.
1. Understand the Scoring System
Creating a good fantasy cricket strategy starts with a deep understanding of the scoring structure. Different platforms will have different rules on how points are awarded for catches, runs, wickets and other types of performances.
For example, some platforms may award extra points for milestones, such as a half-century, century, or five-wicket haul, while others may award negative points for poor performances, such as a high economy rate or low strike rate. Get familiar with these rules so you can select your team wisely.
2. Check Player Performance
You have to determine if a player has been playing well in recent games. A player should not be selected based only on his best performance a few months ago. Since your earnings will be based on how well you perform in the match, your recent form and performance are more important here than the player’s historical record. On the other hand, if you are creating a team for a league, choose top-level players because they will play better in the long run.
3. Analyze weather and pitch conditions.
Most fantasy cricket players ignore pitch reports and weather analysis, which leads them to select the wrong fantasy squad. If the game is in the afternoon and the pitch is slow and dry, you should include more spinners in your line-up instead of swing bowlers. Similarly, if the pitch is similar to Wankhede, swing bowlers and power hitters should find a place in your team.
4. Selection of Top-Order Batsmen
In fantasy cricket, especially T20, one of the most important rules for winning big is to select good top-order batsmen. It makes sense that they will score a lot of runs because they face the most balls. Most teams build their line-ups in such a way that they have their best batsmen in the top three positions. That’s why these players are more likely to score big.
5. Balance Your Team with a Mix of Star Players and Uncapped Players
A winning fantasy cricket team usually has a balanced combination of star players and uncapped or lesser-known players. Although star players usually put up reliable performances, their expensive price tag can put a strain on your finances.
You can maximize your points while staying within your budget by adding some lesser-known players who have demonstrated potential. These players can make significant profits on small investments, as they are often undervalued.
6. Choose Your Captain and Vice-Captain Wisely
On most fantasy cricket sites, the captain gets double the points and the vice-captain gets 1.5 times the points. Hence, choose the right captain and vice-captain, who can make the difference between your win and loss. Choose players who are in form and have a strong chance of making an impact with the bat and ball, such as an all-rounder who can score runs with either bat or ball or a wicketkeeper who can score runs reliably.
7. Keep an Eye on the Playing XI Announcements
The final playing XI is usually announced shortly before the match begins. So it’s important to make sure every player you select is in the starting lineup. Benching a player will cost you 0 points, which can hurt the success of your fantasy cricket team. Platforms often allow team changes just minutes before the game starts, so be cautious and make any necessary last-minute changes.
8. Leverage the Power of All-Rounders
All-rounders are often the unsung heroes of fantasy cricket. Their ability to score with both bat and ball makes them a double chance. A good all-rounder can compensate for poor performance in one area by excelling in another. So, choose players who participate in multiple aspects of the game, as this will improve your score the most.
9. Diversify Your Team in Different Matches
Playing multiple matches in a series or tournament is an option available on many fantasy cricket platforms. Consider spreading your team selection across multiple games rather than a single match.
By using this strategy, you increase your chances of winning while spreading the risk. It is important to avoid filling your team with players from the same game, especially in irregular or unpredictable games.
10. Stay Updated with In-Game Strategies and Trends
Fantasy cricket is not a game you can play once and forget. Keep an eye on in-game events that can affect players’ performance as the contest progresses.
For example, if a team is chasing a low score, top-order batsmen may not get many opportunities to score runs, which can negatively impact your fantasy points.
On the other hand, bowlers may find it difficult to contain high-scoring games. Therefore, it may be wise to include more batsmen in your team. If your platform allows it, change your strategy according to the game.
Final Word for Fantasy Cricket
Since fantasy cricket is a game of skill and chance, you need to play this game with the right strategy. Understanding how each player’s performance is calculated can help you score maximum points. By analysing the form of the players and the pitch conditions, you can make informed decisions and pick the players who are likely to perform well.
Consistent success in fantasy cricket depends on your strategic choices, such as player selection and team balance. As we mentioned, star players are not the only thing that matters; hence, it is essential to have a good team that can adjust to different situations.