IPL Fantasy League: 10 most trustworthy players this year

As the Indian Premier League reaches its halfway stage, we already have an idea about the players who have been consistently performing for their sides. This is something not only vital for the franchisees to know, but also for the fans who play the official Fantasy League game in the IPL's website. Since you were provided only with 75 substitutions for the 56 league matches, it was very important for you not to waste your transfers right at the beginning without having a harder look at the performers. Now since you have an idea about them, make sure that these players are present in your team on most occasions since they are very trustworthy when it comes to fetching points: Note: The likes of Mitchell Starc and David Wiese were not considered despite fetching points since they didn’t play the initial few matches!

#10 Andre Russell (KKR)

We begin with a surprise name! West Indian big hitting allrounder Andre Russell makes it our list courtesy of some brilliant performances this season which we haven’t really taken note of. Yes, the guy bats too low at number 7 or at times even at 8, and hence we generally won’t be tempted to have him in our side, but we have been proven wrong this season.

He is one of those 10 players who has accumulated more than 500 points in the league at the halfway mark. More than his batting, his bowling has had an impact as he has picked up more than 200 points with the ball. With no other KKR player being as consistent as him this season, its a no-brainer to have him in the XI whenever they play.

#9 Sandeep Sharma (KXIP)

Talk about a cheap and best option! To add flavour, he is also an uncapped Indian player which makes it even more easier to have in our team whenever Kings XI step inside the field. His swing with the new ball has troubled even the best in the business and since we get points for dot balls and maidens, Sandeep has shone in the fantasy league charts.

We would be having a headache as to whom to choose among him and Anureet (who has picked more wickets), but Sandeep is a safer option.

#8 Brendon McCullum (CSK)

The way he plays, you won’t really associate him with the word ‘trustworthy’, but he has been consistent for the Chennai Super Kings in this year’s IPL giving them some swashbuckling starts. His century against the Surnrisers Hyderabad was just marvellous to watch as he even decimated his countryman Trent Boult who has been bowling well for a while.

His popularity is also at an all-time high as at the moment, he is the most picked player in the fantasy league. So think about it, if you don’t have him in your team and if he performs, then there is a great chance of you slipping down easily down the ladder.

#7 Imran Tahir (DD)

This man has entertained us every bit in this year’s IPL. The sight of him taking off after picking up a wicket has been a regular occurance this season and he is certainly in the fray to finish the tournament as the leading wicket taker.

He was at his best against the Mumbai Indians and the Rajasthan Royals, and there is no reason why he cannot repeat those performances again in the return leg since the pitches will probably be getting more spinner friendly as they tend to slow down.

#6 Rohit Sharma (MI)

Rohit Sharma’s love affair with the IPL continues! He made a name for himself in the world’s most popular T20 league and he continues to dominate it with ease. There has been a huge debate regarding his batting position, but irrespective of where he bats, he has been a threat without a doubt.

He made an unbeaten 98 on the first day of this season’s IPL by opening the innings, but has dropped to the middle order since then. With Mumbai’s top order struggling, he will be coming in pretty early and will be having plenty of deliveries to face. Even if that’s not the case, all he needs is 15 balls to have his say! His presence is a must in your side!

#5 Dwayne Bravo (CSK)

Dwayne Bravo has been fantastic to say the least! He comes to bowl at the death and picks loads of wickets with his variations. Batsmen at times find him easy to hit and hence he somehow ends up with wickets despite his economy being on the higher side.

If you are lucky enough to witness CSK’s gigantic batting lineup collapse, then this man can face some deliveries and whack the ball around the park like he did that day against the Rajasthan Royals. Double whammy!

#4 David Warner (SRH)

Its almost a crime to leave out David Warner whenver SRH are playing. There are plenty of reasons and one of them is his side’s thin batting lineup which invariably puts him under pressure to stay longer and perform almost every single time. And he has literally done that by leading from the front.

Also, no one else in this year’s IPL has scored more points than Warner at this stage. He is lightning quick on the field and has taken some majestic catches this tournament. If you are confident about SRH winning a particular game, you can even go to the extent of having him as your Powerplayer.

#3 Ajinkya Rahane (RR)

Speaking of Warner, it is this man he is challenging for to become the tournament’s leading run getter! Ajinkya Rahane perfectly fits our title, as he is indeed trustworthy! He has been performing for the Royals in almost all matches and this time he has also increased his strike rate compared to the previous editions.

One thing to be noted here is the number of matches the Royals have played already. They are the only side to have already played 8 matches, so since we have just touched the halfway mark, do not keep him in your side when the Royals get long breaks in their schedule.

#2 Ashish Nehra (CSK)

The 36-year-old veteran has surprised one and all this season as he has constantly delivered for the Chennai Super Kings. In fact, he is the current purple cap holder with 14 wickets to his name. His economy is just a shade above 6 which is excellent. Considering the fact that his value is just 850,000 there should be absolutely no excuse from your side to not pick him.

He has picked more than 100 points in 4 out of the 7 matches he has played so far.

#1 JP Duminy (DD)

Despite Delhi’s miserable run last season, this man stood tall. The franchisee has realised this fact and this season they have asked him to bat at number 3 and rightly so! He can come in early if a wicket falls and steady the ship and can change gears at the right time.

And this season, he has done just that with some terrific hitting. In one match, he even went on to hit six sixes and guess what, he is also frequently rolling his arm over! He has a bowling average of 11 this season, so cash on him despite his high price tag.