Some of you want me to move back to the official one, and some are happy with Fandromeda. There is no clear majority here for me to go by, so I have taken my own decision and decided to stick with Fandromeda, as the official version hasn’t given any confirmation of when they will start their scoring.
Also, looking at the number of issues we have been experiencing so far, I doubt they will ever get it right.
I don't really think Fandromeda not having as many users as the official ones usually have is an issue. It has a decent count for something that started only a couple of months back, and with a positive word of mouth so far, is expected to only increase its fan base.
Whichever way, the lack of competition isn’t as big a factor as a lot of you think it is – if your aim is to finish in the top 100, which it should always be, the road to the top is going to be just as difficult.
The only difference is you could end up with a better overall rank as there are lesser people playing it, but that doesn’t really matter, does it? Fix your aim to the top 100, and you will feel the competition is as intense as it has always been.
Not convinced? Okay, if the IPL fantasy starts working anytime soon and you are still interested in playing it, I will then surely consider covering it to an extent as well. With more or less the same number of transfers, there is not a lot of difference between the two games, so that shouldn’t be an issue. For now, let’s just stick to the best thing in our hands.
Kings XI Punjab
Glenn Maxwell had a forgettable season last year while David Miller blew hot and cold. The rest of the batting line-up didn’t turn up. I don’t see anything different happening this season, with Punjab putting up an extremely disappointing show at this year’s auction.
Coming to the team set-up, towards the end of the last season, Murali Vijay, after a series of poor shows, was dropped in favour of Wriddhiman Saha opening the innings with Manan Vohra.
However, with the lack of batting depth in the team’s squad, Vijay should make the playing XI again. The Indian international’s recent LA performances – 3 50s in 9 matches in addition to three more starts – suggests his form is alright. Vohra should be his opening partner.
Although naturally an opening batsman, Marsh has previously been used by Kings XI Punjab at No.3 and we could well see that happening. Maxwell and Miller are obvious choices at No.4 and 5. Wriddhiman Saha should be expected to float around doing the dirty work in case of an early fall of wickets.
The Indian all-rounder’s spot is a straight shoot-out between Gurkeerat Singh and Rishi Dhawan. Considering the nature of the deck, I see Dhawan getting the nod ahead.
Axar Patel picks himself at No.8. Mitchell Johnson will be allowed to fail before they look at Kyle Abbott. Two of Sandeep Sharma, Anureet Singh and Mohit Sharma should complete the pace unit.
At this point, Axar Patel is the only dependable bet in this team – a safe banker for a couple of wickets every match with him being usually used in an aggressive manner. I would, however, wait till the Miller-led team plays a bunch of matches in quick succession to have him in my team.
Playing XI: Manan Vohra, Murali Vijay, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Gurukeerat Singh/Rishi Dhawan, Axar Patel, Mitchell Johnson, Sandeep Sharma, Anureet Singh/Mohit Sharma
KC Cariappa should be in the scheme of things when Kings XI play on slow, low decks. Don’t see him getting a chance at Mohali.
Fantasy factors
Shaun Marsh’s batting position: Shaun Marsh comes into the tournament on the back of an incredible run-of-form in the BBL and domestic cricket, but he has to open for that to be translated. If he doesn't, I don’t see him having as big an impact.
Wriddhiman Saha’s possible demotion: Saha has played a handful of quality knocks over the last two seasons for the Kings XI, but all those came while playing higher up the order. With both Vijay and Marsh in the set-up now, the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman could be reduced to doing a floater-role, which could have an effect on his fantasy potential.
Size and nature of Mohali: Mohali is one of the bigger grounds in India, and hence you need a lot of power to clear the boundaries here. Keep this is mind while selecting middle order batsmen for matches played at this venue. But if you have power, you’ll relish batting here.
Best uncapped player pick: Anureet Singh, followed by Manan Vohra. If Vohra finds his touch, I would prefer him for the rest of the season over anyone. The 22-year-old is one of India’s best batting talents, but his temperament was found wanting last season and has scores of 6, 1, 0,35* and 13 in his last.5 T20 matches this year.
Gujarat Lions
Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Bravo and James Faulkner should be the Gujarat Lions’ first three overseas picks. The fourth and final option should be between Dwayne Smith and Aaron Finch. Finch hasn’t really set the stage alight in his limited appearances in the IPL, is hugely susceptible to swing and spin and hasn’t got any recent form to help his case.
Compare it with Dwayne Smith, who although isn’t as big a name in the international arena, has had a couple of excellent years in the IPL and hence a higher reputation in the league. I am backing Smith to open with McCullum despite an indifferent season with the Chennai Super Kings last year.
Suresh Raina is a no-brainer at No.3, followed by Dinesh Karthik at 4. Eklavya Dwivedi should be slotted somewhere in the middle ahead of Ishan Kishan who is not T20 material yet.
Two reasons why that could happen – I don’t see any other compelling options in the squad, and the UP WK-batsman was bought for a huge amount in this year’s auction. The 27-year-old Dwivedi has an excellent track record in domestic T20s, averaging 40 in 34 T20s, and comes into the tournament in form.
Ravindra Jadeja and Pravin Tambe should form the spin duo, with Dhawal Kulkarni and Praveen Kumar completing the pace attack.
Playing XI; Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Smith, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Dwayne Bravo, Eklavya Dwivedi, James Faulkner, Ravindra Jadeja, Praveen Kumar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Pravin Tambe
You should see Shivil Kaushik, the team’s mystery spinner, featuring in the playing XI at some point in the season. His awkward bowling action has caught the eye of many in the cricketing circle.
Fantasy factors
Suresh Raina: Raina has been in woeful form of late. The only reason he is in my team is because of a lack of a better Indian all-round alternative. Also, that Gujarat are one of the two fastest teams to three matches made it an easier choice. Here is hoping he rediscovers his touch, and also rolls his arm round.
BMac brand: Brendon McCullum does play an insanely aggressive game for his national team, going after anything and everything thrown at him, which makes him a risky pick, but not so much in IPL as seen in the last season.
The former Kiwi captain controlled his aggression very well and played some of the best knocks I have seen him play. I am waiting to confirm if that’s how he is going to play this season to get him in.
KXIP vs GL – Fantasy picks
Transfers made – 0; Transfers remaining – 84
(uncapped) Shreyas Iyer out - Pravin Tambe in (1)/ Anureet Singh (2)/ Shivil Kaushik (3)/ Manan Vohra (4)/ Eklavya Dwivedi (5)
Batting captain – Glenn Maxwell
Bowling captain – Dwayne Bravo
If you are playing a format that needs only one captain, go with Bravo (See, I still care for the official version).
