Critics make sport even more special. Entities on the periphery of the game, bestowed with the power to influence player psychology, these critics have unmatched power in the field of sport(or any field for that matter). They play tricks with the psyche of the player, make them question their abilities but despite all the negative aura around them, they foster lay the foundations for comebacks. And that is one thing we must be thankful to them for. One of the purest forms of joy is experienced when a player, vilified by critics comes back to show his worth for all to see.
While the entire stadium erupted when Dhoni hit that four through extra cover to seal an enthralling victory for RPS, Dhoni stood there stone faced, soaking in all the emotion, the joy, the relief.
Also Read: Preview and Match result predictions for Gujarat Lions vs Kings XI Punjab
RPS would be ecstatic that they could pull of this win against the high flying Sunrisers, when they actually looked down and out for most part of the game. Dhoni’s return to form is a a massive boost for their side, and they would love form him to feast on the bowlers from the next game on.
In the evening game the Wankhede, traditioanlly a batsmen’s paradise turned into a night mare for them as only 260 odd runs were scored. First it was Mishra’s trickery that sent Mumbai into hiding, and then it was Mitch McCleneghan who rocked back DD in what seemed like a pretty straight forward chase. Despite Morris and Rabada’s late order heroics, Delhi just couldn’t muster enough spine to chase down Mumbai’s rather meagre total.
Gujarat Lions vs Kings XI Punjab
The Lions finally tasted some success in Kolkata, breaching KKRs fortress in emphatic style, thanks to a gritty knock from their skipper, Suresh Raina.
The Kings XI on the other hand were dismantled by the Mumbai Indians in their last outing, despite a monumental effort from Hashim Amla. Their bowling is turning out to be the weak area and they’ll have to somehow strengthen it up with their foreign recruits and Indian reserves.
Let’s get to business now!
IPL Fantasy League Fantasy Tips on the next page
IPL Fantasy League
Transfer out: Krunal Pandya
Transfer in: Manan Vohra/KC Cariappa
Now, I already have Suresh Raina and Glenn Maxwell in my team for this game.
With none of these two teams featuring in the 3 three games, there is no ‘added’ incentive of bringing in any player into my side(except the fact they might go big in this particular game).
Suresh Raina and Glenn Maxwell both found some form in their last appearances and should be amongst the runs today as well as both the oppositions do not boast of world class bowling attacks.
You may argue that when the bowling on offer is not of high quality, why are we not getting in more batsmen? It is solely because none of these two teams play a game anytime soon and it would be very risky to bank on one particular batsmen when there are so many good ones on offer. You can’t really tell who fires on the day.
But if you are hell bent on getting a batsman in, Hashim Amla is your best bet. He plays in a more assured way than others and can surely give you a return of 50 points. I opt against BMac because he’ll be up against Axar Patel, who has dismissed him twice and given away just 35 runs in 36 balls. And we all know about McCullum weakness against left arm spin bowling.
For the uncapped player I get in Manan Vohra, who should be drafted back into the side for this game. If not, I would go in with KC Cariappa, as Ishan Kishan bats too low down the order.
Captain: Suresh Raina
Fandromeda Tips on the next page:
Fandromeda
Transfer out: Rishab Pant, Chris Morris
Transfer in: Hashim Amla, Axar Patel
Now, I already have Glenn Maxwell and Suresh Raina in my team for this game!
The first transfer that I’ll be making is getting in Hashim Amla into my side. His assurance with the bat ensures at least 50 points and thus seems like a worthwhile transfer. Also, with a bowling lineup that doesn’t boast of much spine, Amla should help himself to at least a 30 or 40.
Brendon McCullum is the next batsman that would be in my consideration set. With Fandromeda offering you more leeway with respect to transfers, you could almost cover all your bases by getting in McCullum, hence this would be a ‘covering all your bases’ transfer and not a ‘strategic one’. Get him in nonethless, you don’t want to be at the receiving end of McCullum special.
Now, if you just wanted to make 2 transfers bringing in McCullum would mean that you would be left without a proper bowling captain. In order to get round this issue, I’ll suggest you drop BMac and get in Axar, who has had a lot of success against McCullum as well. Thereby taking care of your issues of missing out on a McCullum special.
Batting star: Suresh Raina/Hashim Amla(whoever bats second)
Bowling Star: Axar Patel
