IPL 2020 Fantasy Team: Best pick from each side 

IPL 2020 is around the corner and the fans can't wait for the action to begin. Few years back, in a bid to keep cricket fans engaged, the concept of fantasy cricket was rolled out. For the uninitiated, fantasy cricket is a sporting game where one can earn points on the basis of the performances of the players that they have selected. As simple as it may sound, fantasy cricket isn't as straightforward.

The selection of the playing XI can be extremely strenuous. There are various permutations and combinations that might affect your choices. The kind of pitch where the match is played, the quality of the opponents, the strength and weakness of a particular player, all these contribute to the jigsaw of team selection.

We will try and make things easier for you by naming one player from each team who can earn maximum points during the course of IPL 2020.

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#8 Rajasthan Royals - Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes (Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI)

Ben Stokes had a rather forgettable IPL 2019 where he failed to deliver both with the bat and ball. Stokes took just 6 wickets in 9 games leaking runs at a high economy of 11.22. His performance was even worse with the bat as he scored just 123 runs in 9 games at an average of 20.20.

However, the Englishman has been in sensational form since then. Stokes was instrumental in England's maiden World Cup title. With his all-round abilities, he can earn you points in batting as well as bowling department.

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#7 Kings XI Punjab - KL Rahul

KL Rahul (Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI)

KL Rahul will have the additional responsibility of leading Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020. The Karnataka batsman made waves last season where he finished as the second highest run-getter of the tournament with 593 runs in 14 matches at an average of 53.90.

Also see – IPL 2020 time table

Rahul has been in staggering form for India of late and can be amongst the top run-getters of IPL 2020. Moreover, Rahul will play most of his matches at Mohali, a ground that is considered to a batting paradise as the ball comes nicely on the bat because of the even bounce off the pitch. Thus, he can be a perfect pick for your fantasy team.

#6 Sunrisers Hyderabad - David Warner

David Warner (Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI)

David Warner made a stunning comeback to the IPL last year where he emerged as the leading run-scorer of the season. Warner smashed 692 runs in just 12 games at a phenomenal average of 69.20 and healthy strike-rate of 143.86.

The pocket-size dynamo has been a star-performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad over the years and one can expect him to continue his dominance in the upcoming season as well. Moreover, Warner has changed his game plan as he gives himself a little time before going after the bowlers and thus, eliminating the risk of him getting out cheaply. Thus, Warner can be a safe and prodcutive choice.

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#5 Delhi Capitals - Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant (Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI)

Rishabh Pant's performance in Indian colours might not have been upto the mark since the southpaw made his debut, but his IPL numbers over the years have been extraordinary. Pant boosts a strong average of 36.16 and a jaw-dropping strike-rate of 162.69 in the IPL. Pant has been mighty effective in the mid-phase of the game where he mostly bats.

He plays spin-bowling exceptionally well and is sure to earn you points, especially on the spin-friendly Delhi pitches. Pant get you extra points as a wicket-keeper as well. Moreover, he will have a spot to book in the T20 World Cup squad on the basis of his performances in the IPL.

#4 Kolkata Knight Riders - Andre Russell

Andre Russell (Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI)

No surprises on who should be your automatic choice when Kolkata Knight Riders is on the field. Andre Russell was a one-man army last season where he won quite a few games single-handedly for KKR.

Russell scored 510 runs at an average of 56.66 and strike-rate of over 200. Russell's big-hitting abilities can change the complexion of the game in a span of a couple of overs. And thus, leaving him out of your fantasy eleven can be a big blunder, especially when he gets going. Moreover, Russell can earn you points with the ball too.

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#3 Royal Challengers Bangalore - Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI)

Virat Kohli hasn't let his team's dismal show affect his batting. The run machine has been scoring runs consistently for the Challengers. The Indian captain scored 530 runs in 2018 and 464 runs in 2019 and was his team's high run-getter on both the occasions. Kohli bats at the top for RCB where he gets more chances to score big runs. Moreover, Kohli's record at Chinnaswamy is quite impeccable.

#2 Chennai Super Kings - MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni (Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI)

MS Dhoni is currently not in the scene when it comes to international cricket. The former India captain hasn't played any form of cricket since the World Cup 2019 and hasn't made himself available for national selection. But the IPL is a different ball game altogether.

Dhoni in the yellows of Chennai Super Kings is one of most looked-forward to cricketers of the tournament. He has proved in the last two seasons that he is still capable of winning matches with the bat, averaging 75.83 in IPL 2018 and 83.20 in 2019. Unlike for the national side, Dhoni bats at no. 4 or 5 in the batting line-up for CSK and thus he gets more time to get set before going for the big ones. Putting your money on Dhoni is not a bad idea.

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#1 Mumbai Indians - Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya (Picture courtesy: iplt20.com/BCCI)

Good all-rounders are invaluable for any fantasy side as they can earn you points in more than one discipline. Hardik Pandya is one of the best limited-overs all-rounders in world cricket and is a must in your fantasy side.

Pandya had a stellar IPL 2019 where he shone with both the bat and ball. The 26-year-old scored more than 400 runs and grabbed 14 wickets in IPL 2019 and was a big reason for Mumbai Indians' title win. Also, it will be crucial for Pandya to do well and get back in top form after a return from injury before the T20 World Cup.