Sadism is cruel, but in sport it makes for some really interesting match ups, when one team that has nothing to lose spoils the party for a team in contention of going deeper in the tournament. While a few revel under pressure, lesser mortals often get bogged down, as pressure acts a thorn, puncturing their chances of making it big. Gujarat Lions are free of the pressure of performance now, and we know what freedom from pressure can do to individuals.
Kings XI Punjab on the other hand would be under immense pressure, as qualifying for the playoffs is still very much a possibility. Sandeep Sharma and Axar Patel’s elevation of skills and character in the second half of the IPL has helped them pull of some very unlikely wins. They would be hoping that they could push the Lions further into their slump, not that they have a choice.
Lions have had a pained season, being hit by injuries all along, and just not being able to zero in on a settled unit. BMac’s injury has meant that they are left with just 4 overseas players for this game, and it is highly unlikely that they’ll give Chirag Suri, the UAE international game, and thus this could be one of those few times when a team fields a side with less than 4 overseas players.
Kings XI have all their players in tact for this game, but both Miller and Amla would be leaving after this one, and that could maybe tempt Maxi to opt for a different opening combination for this game, and maybe even leave out Amla for that.
Let’s get to business now!
IPL fantasy Tips on the next page:
IPL Fantasy League
Transfer out: ABD, Yuzi Chahal, Aniket Chaudhary
Transfer in: Martin Guptill, Axar Patel, Basil Thampi
Now, I don’t have any player from this game in my side.
With KXIP playing thrice in 5 days, it makes sense to get in two of their players into your side, but provided that you do have enough transfers for that.
With two of the matches in Mohali and one in Wankhede, Martin Guptill becomes a very imporant pick for the upcoming games. The ball generally comes onto the bat in the these two venues and Guptill knows a thing or two about striking the ball in friendly conditions. Get him in!
Now, the second substitution would be one from Axar Patel and Sandeep Sharma, While Sandeep is having a wonderful last few games, I would be opting for Axar because of the double scoring opportunity that he presents.
Due to the paucity of transfers, I wouldn’t be getting in any player from the already deflated Gujarat side. But if you can, Suresh Raina seems to be the safest bet.
For the uncapped player, I’ll get in Basil Thampi, who has been extremely efficient in the last few games, surviving storms of attacks from the batsman, and holding the mast even when his teammates have found it hard to stay afloat.
Captain: Axar Patel
Fandromeda tips on the next page:
Fandromeda
Transfer out: ABD, Yuzi Chahal, Virat Kohli
Transfer in: Martin Guptill, Suresh Raina, Axar Patel
Now, I don’t have any players from this game in my side.
With Kings XI playing thrice in 5 games, it only makes sense to bring in atleast 2 Kings XI players into my side.
Martin Guptill would be my first pick for the game, as the surfaces that he’ll be playing on will assist his style of play, and he could absolutely murder the oppositions in the next 3 games. You can expect him to give you at least 200 points.
Axar Patel and Sandeep Sharma are high value picks, and despite Sandeep’s rich vein of form, I would be bringing in Axar, as he gives me that double scoring opportunity.
Suresh Raina has been in good enough form and was impeccable with the bat in his last outing. i would be getting him in for Virat Kohli for this game.
Batting Star: Martin Guptill/Suresh Raina(whoever bats second)
Bowling Star: Axar Patel
