IPL 2016: Fantasy Championship guide GL v RPS

A combination of poor fielding from KKR, brilliant batting by MI and the inspired promotion of Mitchell McCleneghan led to KKR’s first defeat of the season. On a ground where a first innings score of 180+ had never been chased, Mumbai Indians played shrewdly by always keeping the required run rate in check.

Gautam Gambhir and Manish Pandey struck a wonderful partnership to give a solid launch pad for the likes of Andre Russell, Yusuf Pathan, and Colin Munro to take advantage and Russell obliged in the best possible way by striking a quick-fire 36.

In response to KKR’s total, Rohit Sharma assumed the anchor’s role and Jos Buttler and McCleneghan tried to put the foot on the pedal. McCleneghan’s promotion worked wonders and Buttler too showed his class hitting some meaty blows.

Whenever the ball doesn’t turn much, the KKR bowling unit seems to lack some spine. Maybe, a word with the curator next time round?

Let’s get to business now!

Gujarat Lions vs Rising Pune Supergiants:

The rearranged RR and CSK take on each other for the first time in the IPL in the happy state of Gujarat. While the RPS and GL players have a huge fan following in India, it would take some time for the teams to create the same kind of brand value for themselves. ‘Foes turned friends’ will turn foes once again and it is just going to be a little confusing (on an emotional level) for someone who has followed the IPL all through.

There has been a lot of talk about how Suresh Raina is trying to get out of the MS Dhoni shadow and today could well be the first chapter of that.

I already have Raina, Bravo and Rahane in my team for this game!

The two major impact players in this game are Kevin Pietersen and Brendon McCullum. While McCullum was dismissed cheaply the last time, KP did stamp his authority by hitting Harbhajan Singh for two sixes and looked in great touch. Also, I have already spoken about how he is a better pick than Steve Smith and Faf du Plessis. Thus, he is the first player that I get in for this game.

McCullum could really turn the heat on but I guess he would struggle against the twin Ashwin’s and Rajat Bhatia. Also, I have just one player for the next game, i.e the one between Delhi and Punjab and hence I would like to save the transfer.

Steve Smith and Faf du Plessis do not have the same ‘impact ranking’ as KP and hence, I leave them out. Wait for the pitch report before you bring in Ravichandran Ashwin. Only if there is some clear cut indication that there will be a lot of spin on offer will I get him in.

Now, the two best ‘uncapped’ picks for this game are Rajat Bhatia and Murugan Ashwin. Rajat Bhatia’s experience of having played in the IPL tilts me to his favour.

Batting captain for this game: Kevin Pietersen/Suresh Raina

If Pune bat first, go for KP, else pick Raina.

Bowling captain for this game: DJ Bravo

Happy team picking!