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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Let us look into how a batter impacts a fantasy score.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aspect | Pre-Toss Predictions | Post-Toss Predictions |
---|---|---|
Accuracy of Predictions | Predictions are based on unconfirmed lineups, without knowing the toss outcome. They are ‘best guesses’ based on various data points and publicly available data. Usually less accurate | Predictions are based on the actual outcome of the toss and the confirmed lineups, hence they are usually more accurate. |
Risk and Flexibility | Higher risk due to unknown factors like which team will bat first and less flexibility as early lineups are based on projections rather than confirmed details. | Lower risk as strategies can be adjusted to actual conditions; flexibility in adapting lineups based on the toss outcome and real-time match information. |
Impact on Strategy | Essential for early lineup locks in leagues requiring submissions before the toss; it involves a level of guesswork but allows early strategy development. | Enables precise adjustments, allowing players to optimise lineups according to specific game conditions, such as team batting or bowling first. |