IPL Fantasy Cricket, RR vs SRH, RCB vs KKR: Tips for the doubleheader

IPL 2018 has reached the halfway stage of the season, marked by a doubleheader today.

The top half of the table has had to face recent losses while the bottom half has managed to notch up wins. At this stage, all teams have a chance to make the playoffs, but, the 'Net Run Rate' is going to be a huge factor towards the end of the tournament. We would be in for a treat with teams not only looking to win games but planning to work with their statisticians to ensure they reach the playoffs.

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Rajasthan host the Sunrisers after a week-long break. Meanwhile down south, the Royal Challengers will have Kolkata to compete with later in the evening.

Star power: ABD, Kane > Kohli, Stokes

The top ten highest scores this season have both De Villiers and Kohli on the list. Kohli was the only one with a sub-150 strike rate. Even in the Orange Cap chart, only 3 have a sub-150 strike rate, Kohli, Williamson, and Yadav.

Even though with the argument above, one would prefer a faster scorer in the other game between RR and SRH, Kane has been the most reliable star batsman, carrying an under par batting line up. On the other hand, Stokes has been underwhelming with both the ball and the bat for Rajasthan. He has scored at a strike rate of 126 and has only one solitary wicket to show.

If you can accommodate 3 of the above 4, avoid Stokes.

Behind the stumps: de Kock can be your X-factor

Quinton de Kock has had some good starts and has looked better in the past couple of games, he is a pick which you might play as a wildcard. Dinesh Karthik leads Kolkata with 212 runs at a strike rate of 132 and should be your option if you are looking for a consistently reliable performer.

Keep in mind that Samson has not been keeping wickets so, unfortunately, you can't pick him as a wicketkeeper for your fantasy team. Butler has been behind the stumps for RR but has not gotten going with the bat.

Saha has been woefully out of form and has had to be hidden in the already weak batting order for SRH.

Bowlers: SRH line up by far

The top ten wicket-takers this season have 3 from the Sunrisers with Kaul and Rashid at 9 apiece and Shakib with 8.

For the other game, Yadav has been amazing in the powerplay having picked up 9 wickets for RCB and Narine has 8 for KKR.

Jofra Archer can be the wildcard for you with him picking up 3 on his debut in the IPL and the extra pace that he offers. He also offers some lusty hitting lower down the order

Overseas slot: Avoid Lynn

Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, AB de Villiers, Rashid Khan and Kane Williamson have been the outstanding overseas players in contention today.

Though Rajasthan depends on Stokes and Buttler to help them finish, both have been found wanting with strike rates of 127 and 131 respectively.

Chris Lynn has been scoring at an average of 27 and a strike rate of 137. He is not worth the money that you will have to spend on him to get into the team.

Alex Hales might be the wildcard for you since he can provide the impetus SRH need at the top. Nabi might make way for him, SRH already has a stellar bowling unit.

Utility picks: Gowtham, Sundar and Rana

The plethora of stars available to be selected for the day leaves little room to pick others to finish off the XI. Krishnappa Gowtham, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Rana are players which will help you stick to your budget and score some good points.

Injury concerns: Bhuvi may miss out

The best bowler for SRH has missed the last two games with back issues. And these were the games where SRH still managed to defend two low scores. SRH will not be too worried about his absence and let him recover fully before putting him back into the lineup

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