We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Probable XIs
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Umran Malik, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage/Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
Pitch Report
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
(Based on the last 3 games)
1st innings average score: 326
2nd innings average score: 256
Wickets per innings: 9
Type: Excellent for batting
Weather: Clear
Wins
Batting 1st: 100%
Batting 2nd: —
Fantasy Tips of the Day
Although the Eden Gardens has been traditionally supporting spinners, the data from the last few games suggest otherwise. Of the 52 wickets that fell in the previous 3 ODIs at the venue, only 10 belonged to the spinners. The batters have dominated through and through.
Wicketkeepers
Although Kusal Mendis went for a duck in the first ODI, he looked in great touch in the T20I series. However, KL Rahul’s recent numbers are slightly better. In addition, Rahul averages 49 at No. 7 compared to his overall average of 44.
Batters
Only ardent cricket fans know the importance of Shreyas Iyer in ODIs. He has scored the most runs (752) for India since 2022.
Form and fortune both have been favouring Virat Kohli lately. Besides having consecutive hundreds to his name, his domination(326 runs at 54) at Eden Gardens further strengthens his case.
In his last 5 ODIs, Shubman Gill has scored 227 runs at an impressive average of 46. His experience of playing at Kolkata in the Indian T20 League will come in handy.
Simply put, Pathum Nissanka is one of the safest picks in fantasy leagues. Whether or not his performances help his team’s cause, it definitely keeps fantasy players in the hunt. Ever since his debut, he has scored the second-most runs for Sri Lanka.
Rohit Sharma’s historic 264 came at the very venue and against the same opposition. Given how he smashed the ball at Guwahati, he will be brimming with confidence at his favourite ground.
All-rounders
Against India, whatever Dasun Shanaka touches, it turns into gold. His scores since the T20I series read 45, 56*, 23, and 108*. He has bowled only twice in 4 games, but on both occasions, he managed to take at least a wicket.
Bowlers
The scorecard may suggest that Kasun Rajitha was reduced to a punching bag in Guwahati, but fantasy stats portray a story favouring him. He has featured in the Ultimate Team in 4 consecutive ODIs, managing a total of 10 wickets.
Since 2022, Mohammad Siraj (26 wickets) and Yuzvendra Chahal (22 wickets) have been taking up the bulk of the workload. While Siraj has evolved into a numero uno strike bowler, Chahal continues to provide breakthroughs.