Top 10 Dangerous Batters in Fantasy Cricket

Fantasy cricket has surged in popularity, attracting fans who love strategy and have a deep understanding of the game.

But to have any chance of succeeding, you must be able to beat out thousands or even lakhs of other competitors with your team selection. Since your points total will be heavily influenced by your selection of batters, you need to be aware of the 10 most dangerous batters currently playing. These batters have been consistent recently, especially in the shorter formats of the game.

When choosing batters for your fantasy squad, you definitely need to consider the usual statistics like runs scored, boundaries hit, and strike rates. The problem, though, is that almost every other serious contestant also does that. However, there are some statistics that are specifically designed for fantasy cricket and are only available on the 11Wizards Lineup Builder App. You should also consider looking at these stats for a well-informed team selection that can truly give you an edge. Download the 11Wizards App to learn more about this.

Also Read: Why 11Wizards is the Best Fantasy Cricket Lineup Builder

Also Read: Best Tips to Succeed in Fantasy Cricket

Without further ado, let’s look at some of the batters who’ve been responsible for bowlers’ worst nightmares recently.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Batters

Here’s a list of the top 10 most dangerous batters whose performances in T20 Cricket make them must-haves in any fantasy lineup.

1. Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka is a consistent performer in T20 cricket, making him a valuable asset for fantasy cricket players. Remember his striking 79 off 48 balls against India in the 1st T20I in July 2024? That innings earned him a stellar 110 fantasy points. With an average points of 59, a 9% top scorer rate, and an impressive best XI% of 61, he frequently finds himself among the top-performing players. With a strike rate of 120.41 across 62 matches, Nissanka’s ability to rotate the strike and hold the innings together ensures steady points in fantasy cricket. 

2. Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran is the definition of a high-risk, high-reward fantasy cricket pick. His stunning 65 off 26 balls* against South Africa in the 1st T20I at Tarouba in August 2024 earned a massive 115 fantasy points. With a phenomenal strike rate of 157.39, Pooran’s power-hitting ensures he can single-handedly win games for both his team and fantasy players. His top scorer% is 13, with an impressive best XI% of 64, which reflects his ability to deliver big-match performances. Pooran’s ability to rack up boundary points, coupled with wicketkeeping bonuses, gives him one of the most dangerous batters in fantasy cricket. 

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s remarkable consistency makes him a dream pick for fantasy teams in the T20 format. His jaw-dropping 123 off 57 balls* against Australia in the 3rd T20I at Guwahati in November 2023 is a true reflection of his potential. He single-handedly provided 176 fantasy points in that match. 

While not as volatile as some batters, his ability to pile on runs consistently lands him in the best XI more often than not. He has one of the highest best XI% of 64 and top scorer% of 14, which highlights his capability to produce match-winning performances. Fantasy players looking for a dependable top-order batter with a knack for big scores should always consider Gaikwad.

4. Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen is one of the top players who consistently delivers under pressure, making him a top pick in fantasy cricket. With a strike rate of 141.84, Klaasen’s aggressive batting style makes him a strong middle-order option. He adds bonus value as a wicketkeeper, further boosting his fantasy appeal. His best XI% of 56 shows his capabilities of delivering match-winning performances and makes him a versatile and reliable pick for fantasy cricket teams.

5. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli remains one of the most consistent performers in T20 cricket, with average points of 61 and a remarkable best XI% of 63. He has been a top performer with a 15% top scorer rate, making him a reliable pick for any fantasy lineup, especially as a captain or vice-captain. For fantasy players looking for a mix of stability and proven performances, Kohli is always a top choice.

6. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has quickly become a favourite in T20 fantasy cricket due to his consistency and elegant stroke play. With average points of 57 and a best XI% of 55, he is a reliable pick for fantasy teams. His strike rate of 136.72 showcases his ability to balance aggression with stability. Gill’s 17% top scorer rate highlights his knack for big-match performances, making him a valuable pick for steady points. 

7. Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav, with his fearless boundaries and versatile shots, is a favourite pick in fantasy cricket. With average points of 54, a best XI% of 55, and a phenomenal strike rate of 152.29, "SKY" is one of the most dynamic players in T20 cricket. His ability to hit big shots consistently, coupled with his exceptional fielding, helped him accumulate valuable fantasy points from multiple avenues. His 7% top scorer rate reflects his potential to turn games single-handedly. 

8. Phil Salt

Phil Salt’s aggressive batting style makes him a popular fantasy pick. With an incredible strike rate of 165.32, average points of 49, a top scorer percentage of 10%, and a best XI% of 54, Salt is built for quick impact. Remember his stunning 103 off 54 balls against West Indies in Barbados? His outstanding batting helped him earn a massive 158 fantasy points in a single match, showcasing his match-winning ability. 

9. Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler, a mainstay of T20 cricket, is a consistent fantasy performer with average points of 56, a best XI% of 64, and a solid strike rate of 147.02. Known for his ability to switch shots effortlessly, Buttler often sets the tone for his team with explosive starts. While his top scorer% of 9 is modest, his consistency as an opener makes him a trusted pick for steady fantasy points, especially in high-scoring matches.

10. Travis Head

Travis Head’s versatility and aggression make him a standout player in T20 fantasy cricket. With his best XI percentage standing at 63, top scorer percentage at 10, and an extraordinary strike rate of 160.49, Head can dismantle any bowling attack. His recent performances, including consistently high scores, make him a reliable yet explosive pick. He can produce match-defining innings, offering fantasy players the perfect blend of stability and a powerhouse of points.

Impact of Batters in Fantasy Cricket

Let us look into how a batter impacts a fantasy score.

• Runs Scored: Runs form the core of a batter’s contribution. Every run adds an extra point. So, a high-scoring innings offers a massive points boost. 
• Strike Rate: A high strike rate adds extra points in T20 and ODI formats, rewarding batters who score runs and do so quickly.
• Boundaries: Batters who frequently hit boundaries and sixes are often rewarded with bonus points, making these players high-impact choices. Players like Virat Kohli and David Warner hit plenty of fours in their innings.
• Consistency: Consistency is key. Players with steady form ensure that they contribute points regularly. Prioritising consistent performers can be the difference between reigning on the leaderboards and simply participating in the fantasy league.

These metrics contribute directly to a player’s fantasy value, making high-performing batters a prized asset in any fantasy lineup. Their skill to establish a solid foundation or accelerate the game during pivotal moments ensures their selection of a strategy to implement.

Points System for Batters in Different Formats

All three formats—T20, ODI, and Test—may use a similar fantasy point system, but some minor differences exist. Let’s examine how each format differs in the Dream11 fantasy app.

In both the T20 and ODI formats, the significance of strike rate is more evident in ODI cricket. For example, if Rohit Sharma makes 70 runs from 50 balls in a T20 game (with a strike rate of 140), he’ll receive points for his runs and boundaries and only 2 points for the strike rate. In contrast, the same performance would yield a strike rate bonus of 6 points during an ODI match. Test cricket doesn’t reward any bonus points for strike rate. 

Criteria for Selecting Dangerous Batters

Choosing a formidable batter in fantasy cricket involves assessing important performance indicators that showcase a player's capacity to score high fantasy points regularly. These statistics can be conveniently accessed and analysed through the Player Research tool available on the 11Wizards app. 

Here are the main criteria to consider.

• Batting Order Position: A player’s batting position significantly impacts their scoring potential within a match. Batters who play in the top order, typically positioned in the first three slots, get more opportunities to face deliveries, increasing their chances to score heavily and contribute points.

• Average Runs Scored: High average scores signify consistent performance and provide a dependable points source. Players with higher averages tend to perform well over time, making them valuable in a fantasy lineup.

• Average Strike Rate: A player’s strike rate is significant in shorter formats like T20 and ODI. A high strike rate indicates a batter’s ability to score quickly, securing bonus points and maximising fantasy returns.

• Best XI %: This unique metric represents the percentage of matches in the last two years where a player has been included in the best possible fantasy team. Players with high best XI percentages have a proven track record of delivering points consistently.

• Top Scorer %: This percentage reflects how often a batter has been the highest fantasy point scorer in a match over the past two years. Batters with a high top scorer % have the potential to be high-impact players who turn games into fantasy leagues.

Conclusion

Picking the right batters in fantasy cricket can make or break a team’s success. The top 10 dangerous batters above bring distinct strengths (like strike rates, boundaries, etc.) that earn high fantasy points reliably. From high strike rates and average runs to boundary-hitting prowess and positional stability, these players are essential for maximising fantasy scores. Using 11Wizards, users can utilise advanced mathematical models to enhance their drafting choices based on detailed player insights. 

The 11Wizards Player Research tool offers metrics such as best XI %, top scorer %, and other predictive insights to help users make data-driven decisions on player impact. Supported by advanced analytics from 11Wizards, these batters can be incorporated into your lineup to maximise your chances of success. Download the 11Wizards App to access statistics and additional insights.

FAQs

What makes a batter dangerous in fantasy cricket?

A batter is called "dangerous" in fantasy cricket when he consistently scores high, has a reasonable strike rate, hits many boundaries, and performs well in important matches. Batters with these qualities are likely to be chosen for the "best XI" or to be the "top scorer," making them popular picks.

Can dangerous batters guarantee high fantasy points?

Dangerous batters can help you score high points in fantasy cricket. However, no player can guarantee points because pitch conditions, the opposing team, and player form can affect performance. Players who consistently perform and have strong strike rates are usually more reliable.

How often should I update my fantasy team based on player form?

Updating your fantasy team often is important, especially before big tournaments. Changes in player performance, injuries, and batting positions can all affect how well a player is effective, so it's imperative to keep an eye on them. In short, a well-informed and regularly updated team is likely to do well in fantasy leagues.

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