IPL Fantasy Guru: The playoff strategy (Updated)

Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore:

CSK vs RCB (Dwayne Bravo/AB de Villiers)

Reports suggest that a typical Ranchi deck lies in wait for us, which would mean it is likely to assist the slower bowlers. Dwayne Bravo would, therefore, be my first pick from the Chennai Super Kings side. His variations at the death could be too hot to handle.

With both Dwayne Smith and Michael Hussey struggling to make big contributions, Faf du Plessis, in his new role as a No.3 batsman, can come in handy. The South African would be my second pick. While Mandeep Singh scored an impressive half-century in the match against Rajasthan Royals, I don’t see him making an impact on this deck, so Pawan Negi gets the nod ahead as my uncapped player for this match.

I am tempted to bring in Ravichandran Ashwin, but Dhoni has at times underused him and Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers can play him out if he isn’t used aggressively. Rohit Sharma slots in to sort out the combination issues.

If the Super Kings bowl first, I would go with Bravo as my captain. If they bat first, however, I would prefer De Villiers.

Note: If the pitch isn’t slow, consider trading Du Plessis for Chris Gayle.

Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings:

MI vs CSK (Captaincy pick – Rohit Sharma/Lendl Simmons)

If it is a flat deck, which it is expected to be with the home team Kolkata Knight Riders not being part of it, Mumbai Indians will surely start as the favourites. In such a scenario, it doesn’t make much sense to have 3 overseas players from Chennai Super Kings; therefore, despite his half-century against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second qualifier, Michael Hussey sits out. Hussey is not a type of player who would hurt you much as well, even if he comes off.

With Faf du Plessis and Suresh Raina switching roles, MS Dhoni's entry could be delayed. I don’t expect the spinners to play a big role on this wicket, so the only Indian bowler I can get in from either side is Ashish Nehra.

With Rohit Sharma already in my team, Lendl Simmons and Kieron Pollard make their way in. Unless the Super Kings top order collapses, Lasith Malinga can be negotiated at the death while Du Plessis and Hussey won’t give their wickets away to Mitchell McClenaghan too easily.

My team combination demands a batsman and I don’t find a better option than Ambati Rayudu. With Pawan Negi and J Suchith already in, I rope in Hardik Pandya as my uncapped player.