The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has got off to a blockbuster of a start. There have been several entertaining moments in the matches so far and even though the fans would want more edge of the seat thrillers, given the nature of the tournament one gets the feeling that those kind of matches aren't too far away.
Prizes and rewards are to be won not only for the players participating in the cash-rich league but for Fantasy Gamers as well. Several Fantasy sports platforms are offering whopping prize money for the top-prize but those often come with high-risk XIs. In case one is looking for a safe bet, here is an XI suggested by ABP Live that one can go ahead with for the match between Rajasthan and Punjab.
Both these teams started off their campaign with a win. While Punjab beat Kolkata in a rain-affected contest, Rajasthan thrashed Hyderabad by a 72-run margin and are the only team to win an away game so far.
RR vs PBKS Fantasy Team
Wicketkeepers:
Multi-skilled players are always asset in the Fantasy team and it's going to be no different for this match which will feature quite a few wicketkeeper-batters even though Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma are likely to keep wickets. Pick Samson who apart from being a stumper is a very crucial batter for his side and is fresh off a quickfire half-century. Jos Buttler too can be picked from Rajasthan given the kind of season he had last year and the form he showed in the tournament opener. From Punjab, Bhanuka Rajapaksa can be a good pick.
Batters:
From the batters, the preference is given to those players who can face the maximum number of balls. Punjab captain Shikhar Dhawan and Rajasthan opener Yashasvi Jaiswal can prove to be safe bets based on what one witnessed from Dhawan in the opening game and Jaiswal's form throughout the domestic season.
All-rounders:
All-rounders form the crux of any team in T20 cricket and more so for Fantasy cricket users. Jason Holder, Sam Curran and Sikandar Raza can be roped in from this section with Holder and Curran even potential candidates for choosing captain and vice-captain.
Bowlers:
Would be hard to bet against Trent Boult who is an asset with the new ball. Yuzvendra Chahal also showed his class in the first match and should be picked. Arshdeep Singh has done the job for Punjab more often than not for over a season now and started off on a positive note this year. He is a good pick available at an average of 9 credits.
Pro Tip:
Finalise the Fantasy XI only after the toss and Playing XIs are announced as there could be surprise in store with regards to the team news.
Fantasy 11 for IPL 2023- RR vs PBKS (Low Risk XI For Grand League)
Sanju Samson (captain), Jos Buttler, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shikhar Dhawan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jason Holder, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza (vice-captain), Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
Disclaimer: Fantasy sports game may be habit-forming or financially risky. Play responsibly. The information contained herein is merely based on parameters including but not limited to players’ past performance & records, players’ fitness & availability, ground conditions, weather conditions, etc. An individual intending to participate in any such fantasy sports game on any platform shall have to use his/her own skill, wisdom & judgement while creating a fantasy team. Accordingly, reader discretion is advised”.