IPL fantasy cricket, KKR vs DD: Tips to succeed

What a finish to the weekend we had with CSK almost pulling off another heist, with MS Dhoni chipping in this time. After all these high-scoring games on another doubleheader, the fans will have to get ready as the action is all set to shift to Kolkata where runs might not flow as easily as it has been recently.

As Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane's teams face off, you can create your own fantasy teams on StarPick. It has a lot of exciting features along with millions in prize money. You can create your StarPick team here.

So here are some tips to succeed in the fantasy:

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1. Can Roy deliver again?

This is not about the law of averages but while picking someone like Jason Roy, one must think about his technique against specialist spin bowlers. Mumbai Indians didn't have anyone to test him on a wicket that also aided batting but Eden Gardens will be a different ball game for Roy.

He will come up against the likes of Sunil Narine quite early into his innings and there is also Kuldeep Yadav. The chances of Roy coming out on top against these two spinners is not very high and hence picking him will unlikely not yield dividends.

On the other hand, Gautam Gambhir, for whom the reunion will be emotional, can prove to be a good pick. Especially if the match is going to be quite low scoring, a batsman like Gambhir becomes very crucial. Also, he has the knowledge of these conditions, so I would rather invest in Gambhir than an explosive batsman like Roy.

2. DD's big-hitters vs KKR's bowlers

I see only one winner here especially considering the fact that this game is being played at the Eden Gardens. Pace, bounce, spin and what not? We had already discussed about Pant but it is also about free-flowing batsmen like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Glenn Maxwell in that middle order.

So perhaps, pack your side with a couple of KKR bowlers at least instead of gambling on the big-hitters from the DD camp. Without Starc and Nagarkoti, KKR might be missing their first choice bowlers but are still more than good enough to challenge DD's might.

3. Morris - IN, Russell - IN

The DD management received plenty of criticism for dropping Chris Morris against MI. Even though DD ended up winning, Morris is regarded as one of their most important players in the DD setup.

Expect the South African allrounder to walk back into the side though after the previous game. The conditions will also suit Morris and if he gets an opportunity to make an impact with the bat, he will make it count.

He might have had a small blemish against Sunrisers Hyderabad but realistically, DD do not have the right ammunition to test someone like Russell. Except for Morris to an extent, the DD bowling doesn't really inspire confidence one bit.

And against such an attack, unleashing Russell can prove to be a masterstroke. If the West Indies allrounder earns a promotion, we might get a repeat of what we saw at Chapauk. So no matter how much cost, invest in both of these seam bowling allrounders as they are primed to shine.

4. KKR's batting conundrum

Previously I had advised everyone against picking Chris Lynn. The man had just come back from another long injury layoff and he did appear scratchy to begin with. But a crisp 49 the other night against SRH has now given Lynn some much-needed confidence.

And one knows how much of an impact that actually has going forward. A destructive Lynn can blow up sides like no other batsman. The problem though lies with the usage of Sunil Narine. He was demoted the previous game but might come back to reclaim his spot.

And if he does that, it is going to be extremely difficult to choose just two among Narine, Lynn and Uthappa - KKR's top three. I would still go ahead and pick both Narine and Lynn for now. Against this DD attack, I fancy both these players to absolutely dismantle the visiting team in the powerplay.