Fantasy cricket is not a new-fangled word in the landscape of the fantasy world. So, you need to wisely choose captains and vice-captains when you play fantasy cricket games.
These are two prime positions that help your team to earn the maximum points. Your captain gets 2x points, while the vice-captain earns 1.5x, taking your team a step closer to victory. Their points will significantly boost your overall score.
But, very often, fantasy gamers ignore the right strategies behind these choices and end up losing crucial points as well as matches.
This article highlights the do’s and don’ts of selecting your fantasy cricket captain and vice-captain. Whether you are a rookie or a veteran, follow these tips for a match-winning team.
DO’s of Captain and Vice-Captain Picks
1. Do Your Research
Before locking in your choices, make sure to check:
- Player form
- Pitch conditions
- Weather reports
- Head-to-head records
- Team news (injuries, rotations, etc.)
A player in good form and expected to play all 20 overs (in T20) or bat in the top order in ODIs/Tests is always a smart option.
2. Pick Consistent Performers
When you play fantasy cricket leagues, you might get tempted to pick a wild card.
However, your captain and the vice-captain should earn adequate points in every match. Consider all-rounders like Hardik Pandya or Mitchel Marsh in T20. They are efficient in both bat and ball.
3. Consider the Match Format
In T20s, explosive openers and death-over bowlers tend to fetch more points quickly. In ODIs, consistency and time at the crease matter more. In Tests, spinners playing on turning tracks or batters who can grind out long innings often shine.
Match format should influence your captaincy decision significantly.
4. Take Matchups Into Account
Look at how certain players perform against specific teams. For example, if a bowler historically dominates a particular batting lineup, they might be a strong vice-captain pick. Similarly, if a batsman regularly performs at a particular venue, you can use that as an edge.
5. Split the Risk
Many players choose the same captain and vice-captain in every contest. It’s a safe strategy, but splitting your risk across contests using different combos can help if you’re playing multiple teams. One aggressive combo, one balanced combo—maximize your chances of a top finish.
DON’Ts of Captain and Vice-Captain Picks
1. Don’t Follow the Crowd Blindly
Just because a player is a popular pick doesn’t mean they are the best one for that match. Trust your own research and instincts. Going with a differential (low ownership) captain can pay off big if they perform.
2. Don’t Rely Solely on Reputation
Reputation means nothing in fantasy if a player is out of form. Always check recent performances, especially in the current tournament or series. A big-name player might be a trap pick if they haven’t delivered in recent matches.
3. Don’t Pick Pure Bowlers or Tail-End Batsmen as Captains
While bowlers can win matches in real life, in fantasy cricket, they tend to be hit or miss. If a bowler doesn’t take wickets, their economy won’t save your fantasy score. Similarly, tail-end batsmen rarely get a chance to bat. Avoid these roles unless you are confident they will be involved heavily in the game.
4. Don’t Ignore Match Timing and Player Availability
Players can be rested, rotated, or even ruled out at the last-minute. Always double-check the final playing XI before the match starts. Picking a captain who doesn’t play is the worst mistake you can make—and it’s avoidable.
5. Don’t Be Too Conservative Every Time
Fantasy cricket is part luck, part skill. If you are always playing it safe, you may never hit the top of the leaderboard. In smaller contests, safe picks work well, but in grand leagues, taking a calculated risk with a differential vice-captain can lead to a massive payoff.
Example Captain-Vice-Captain Combos
T20 Match: Captain – Jos Buttler (opener), Vice-Captain – Rashid Khan (wicket-taking spinner)
ODI Match: Captain – Babar Azam (top-order consistent scorer), Vice-Captain – Shaheen Afridi (new-ball wicket taker)
Test Match: Captain – Joe Root (long innings player), Vice-Captain – Ravichandran Ashwin (spinner on turning track)
These combos consider form, format, and impact potential.
Final Thoughts:
Your captain and vice-captain are the powerhouses of your fantasy team. Don’t treat those choices lightly. Apply logic, look at stats, evaluate match conditions, and always stay updated. It’s this mix of analysis and instinct that separates winners from the rest.
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