IPL Fantasy 2018: Think out of the box

The 11th edition of the Indian Premier League is around the corner and it is time for IPL Fantasy 2018. The users of IPL fantasy are increasing every season and so does the competition.

Each new user gets the hang of something other than what's expected each season, each match. Everyone makes their own set of tips and tricks which will work for them.

But with so many users around, it is arduous to be at the top of the ranks. So what does it take to stand out from the crowd? -Think out of the box.

This article isn't about the tips and tricks for IPL fantasy. This article is about how you should utilize your psyche in playing the IPL fantasy.

This article is not about player performances, but how you should perform as IPL fantasy user.

Which fantasy game are you playing this year? StarPick is the new one on the block, and it has a lot of exciting features along with millions in prize money. You can create your StarPick team here.

I have been playing IPL fantasy for many seasons and I cherish it. This is the mind rules you should set according to my experiences:

---

#1 Do something different

The India U19 stars can prove to be good picks

Let`s say the IPL season has achieved its midway check with half of the matches played. Now you as a fantasy user find yourself somewhere in the middle of the ranks. Everyone still keeps on picking the usual picks, which most of the users pick. - Don`t do that.

Picking the normal and regular players won`t take you at best of the rankings. Because when your player performs, he performs for 80% of users. So everyone gets the points and you remain in the same position in ranks.

By playing the common picks, you won`t go much down the positions, yet will even not rise much. What's more, it does not matter whether your rank is 30,000 or 50,000.

Try picking players which no one will expect to perform. If your unexpected picks perform, you will get extra points for that match compared to most of the users.

IPL is plenary of surprises. You don`t realize what will happen and any surprising player can play the match of his life. Don't be hesitant to bet

And trust me, it is the best feeling. You will sit tight for the scores to update and you will see yourself move over the leader-board.

#2 Plan ahead from day 1

Planning is the most vital attribute needed in IPL fantasy.

This is the greatest oversight the greater part of the users do, particularly the new ones. Recollect, the fantasy championship runs for the whole tournament with constrained subs available.

When creating the squad, think at least for 3 matches ahead of the schedule. At initial squad culling, target the first four games. This means having at least 1 player of the next 4 matches.

Consider a scenario in where you have to pick a player 'A' for next match (Let's say match no.20). But for that, you have to remove a player 'B' which will be playing the very next match (Let`s say match no.21). Think if this transfer is worth it. How many points will the player 'A' give? You are wasting a substitution. At the same time, you are also losing potential points which the player 'B' will be giving you for the next match. Don't waste substitutions.

In a case where you have to choose between two players, pick the player which will be playing the next game sooner. Consider keeping that player until his next match. This will give you points for two matches in one substitution.

So always follow the schedule while selecting and picking your players.

#3 Listen to mind before the heart

Think before picking your favorites, IPL fantasy is the game of minds

Every cricket fan has a player close to their hearts. We generally feel that player will play out a few wonders out in the middle. But you are playing a game and not supporting a fan club.

At times your favorite player may be out of form. Don't fall into the trap, don`t think much but drop him. You are dropping the player from your fantasy team, not from your hearts!

Also, it may happen your favorite batsman bats down the position. Even if the player is in form, he may not do justice to a substitution because he will hardly get an opportunity to do so.

I am a big fan of MS Dhoni, but with the batting position he bats at, he hardly gets any balls to hit.

IPL fantasy is not a platform to prove your knowledge but a platform to have fun. No one can predict cricket as cricket is a game full of uncertainties. Whatever you score, enjoy the game. Enjoy the festival of India - IPL.