Moneyball9 Fantasy Tips: Kings XI Punjab vs Rising Pune Supergiants

So what do we do when two teams who have nothing but pride to play for clash against each other? A fantasy user needs to be very careful while picking players for such games as teams can also at times opt to give fringe players some opportunities. Never doubt the intensity of the players though as both set of sides will be looking to avoid finishing at the bottom. Rising Pune Supergiants have already handed out games to a few reserve players and the trend might continue. For Kings XI Punjab, it’s all about filling the sudden void left by Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. Here’s an analysis of the perfect combination for this dead rubber:

Batsmen:

Both sides are expected not change anything at the top of the order. So play it safe by picking all four openers. Money shouldn’t be an issue as not even a single high profile player from both teams is valued at 10,000 rupees. You will be able to pick only three batsmen but pick the fourth one using the flexible player option. Usman Khawaja might not have been amongst the runs but he has still been timing the ball and is due for a big one. Ajinkya Rahane is among the top run-getters this season and he is an automatic choice as well.

Murali Vijay is another player who has been consistent this season and it is wise to not neglect him. Hashim Amla’s 96 recently against the Sunrisers Hyderabad should give him the edge over someone like George Bailey. David Miller is yet to strike big and considering he isn’t very comfortable against the slower bowlers, it is advisable not to pick him against a side that is filled with plenty of them.

Wicket-keeper batsman:

The choice is down to MS Dhoni or Wriddhiman Saha. One bats at number three and the other bats at number five or six. Saha also has been in good touch in the last couple of games and considering he is also cheaper than the Supergiants skipper, picking him would make more sense.

All-rounder:

The choices come down to Irfan Pathan, Axar Patel and Thisara Perera. Irfan’s form hasn’t been great and his selection isn’t a guaranteed one. Dhoni could opt to play someone else in his place. Even if Irfan does manage to retain his spot, it will be wise to not pick him since he hasn’t bowled his quota of four overs even once in this year’s IPL.

Axar Patel has provided Kings XI with some useful cameos and has also picked up some vital wickets in this tournament but there is a good chance of him getting taken to the cleaners by a side that is filled with batsmen who tackle spin well. But if you spot plenty of cracks on the surface, you can still bank on him to deliver. Thisara Perera could be an ideal option as he can pick wickets at the death against a middle order that hasn’t delivered so far. They have also been weakened by Stoinis and Maxwell’s departures. Perera has also been sent in at number four or five at times and his lusty blows can fetch plenty of points.

Bowlers:

This is where the surprise element could come up as both sides may opt to bring in a newcomer. So it is advisable to pick the best bowlers who are certain to play the game. Sandeep Sharma has been impressive with the new ball and at the death and he should be the first name on your team sheet. Ashok Dinda has turned his fortunes around this season and has been very effective with the new ball especially. Dhoni wouldn’t want to drop him for someone else so he could be your second pick. Adam Zampa is another bowler who has been amongst the wickets and he could once again expose that brittle middle order.

Mohit Sharma is another option but he won’t guarantee you wickets on a placid surface. KC Cariappa is someone whom the likes of Khawaja and Bailey wouldn’t have seen before but will be picked after back-to-back ordinary outings?

My ideal team: Murali Vijay, Ajinkya Rahane, Hashim Amla, Usman Khawaja, Wriddhiman Saha, Thisara Perera, Adam Zampa, Ashok Dinda and Sandeep Sharma.

DISCLAIMER: The article just contains suggestions and Sportskeeda are not responsible or liable for the outcome.