Fantasy cricket, a sport that started as a fun pastime, is now one of the top-tier online games, especially among youngsters. Fans who once just watched the game from the other side are now managing teams.
The thrill of creating your team of top cricketers and winning is unmatchable. However, as exciting as the sport is, it has its fair share of setbacks. One such turning point in the game is player injuries.
Elimination of a key performer can be heartbreaking. It instantly throws you off your game, and you might need to rethink your strategy. In such a situation, know how to bounce back. Don’t worry! We have just the tips to deal with setbacks like a pro!
How does a player’s injury affect your game?
If you have played fantasy cricket for a short while, you would have faced a player injury at least once. Player injury can be disheartening, especially if it is one of your top-rated players.
Player injuries mess with the team lineups and demotivate your squad. And if the injured one is your captain or vice-captain, the impact can be huge. Not just one player loses points but misses out on 1.5x or 2x the points that could have been a big deal for the leaderboard.
In such a situation, panicking is inevitable. You might feel the urge to shuffle the entire squad and make hasty decisions you will regret. However, you must calm yourself down and make strategic decisions.
Yes. Injuries can disrupt your team’s balance and strategy, but you must mentally prepare yourself regarding how you do that. We will discuss the entire plan of action here.
Monitor Updates and Alerts
In a sport like cricket, staying updated is half the game. Any last-minute injury or a player’s rest can make or break the game. That’s why you should always keep an eye on the news.
Set alerts on your phone instead of waiting for the official match broadcast. Remember to follow the fantasy cricket platforms on social media, like Twitter or Telegram groups.
Also, a good idea is to switch on the notifications on the fantasy cricket apps to get real-time updates. These platforms continuously share updates about injury reports, who won the toss, and lineup leaks before the match begins.
Check the official team announcements 15-30 minutes before the game. Make it a habit and stay informed about any final tweaks in the match.
What should you do immediately after a key player’s injury?
First things first, stop panicking! Just breathe and focus on the bigger picture. See if the player is ruled out for one match or tournament. If it’s a temporary injury, you can keep them on the bench until they become fit to play again.
Replacement is better if your player is out for the entire season. However, don’t just swap players randomly. Look at your squad and assess which player will be an apt replacement. Think about what your team needs.
Check the upcoming matches and the teams you will play with. See if you need a bowler or a batter. Choose a player in good form and whose schedule is favorable for the next matches.
Re-evaluate your team composition.
Your team might feel a bit unbalanced after an injured player’s elimination, and that’s normal. However, you must take this situation as an opportunity to look at your team and fix any weak spots.
Check your team dynamics. A good team needs a balance of solid batters, bowlers, and all-rounders. If you feel something is lacking in the team, this is the perfect chance to fix it.
Check your budget after the injured player’s removal and pick a replacement fitting it. Don’t chase popular names. Instead, choose the players who were supposed to be playing in the entire tournament and are in form.
How to Choose a Smart Replacement?
These simple tips can help you pick a replacement for your team. Someone who will perfectly fit in:
- Take a look at the recent performance. Do not go by big names. Check how the player has performed in the last 3-4 matches.
- Watch out for player roles. A top-order batter or bowler usually gets more chances to earn points.
- Avoid risky picks. Players who have not performed recently or are regularly rotated might not be a good option.
- Check the news to learn about the players who can play in the tournament.
- Do not hesitate to pick new players. We have seen newcomers outperform seasoned players in recent Indian league matches.
Shift Strategy after player injury
Replacement of an injured player may force you to rethink your strategy. Before the injury, you built your team around the key player who got injured. Now, without that player, you have to change your gameplay.
Once you lose a player, you need to be extra cautious. Choose reliable players who almost always perform instead of risky picks for high rewards. Also, build a team and adjust your strategy for unexpected situations during the game.
Wise Team Building Tips to Minimize Injury Impact
Let’s face it — player injuries are sudden, and you can do nothing to avoid them. But what we can do is be prepared and smartly build our team so that the team doesn’t fall apart because of a player replacement. Here are some necessary tips to form a winning team. So, do you want to have a look? Why not? Here they are for you:
- Try not to get carried away by star players. Instead, go for players in form, even if they are new and less popular.
- Balance your team across all roles. Your team should have top-order batters, bowlers who can score high points in earth overs, a dependable wicketkeeper, and one or two solid all-rounders.
- Pick players who have more matches to play ahead. More games mean more chances for you to score high.
- Keep an eye on the players’ fitness, not just in one tournament but also in their previous games. Checking past player records can be beneficial.
- Always have 2-3 replacements in mind. You can swap without stress if one player gets ruled out at the last minute.
Conclusion: Our Final Words Before The Wrap!
Fantasy cricket continues to win hearts. More and more youngsters can play virtually with their favorite cricketers and win exciting prizes. Moreover, thanks to fantasy cricket, fans are not passive spectators. They can play the game in real time and understand it better.
If you are getting into the league, you are in for a treat! You might feel overwhelmed at first, but don’t be in a hurry to win. Enjoy the game, understand the strategies, and stay updated on the stats. You don’t need an expert to get started. Begin with small contests and focus on team building. Have fun playing the game. Your skills will automatically grow with every match.
