What’s there not to like about fantasy cricket?
- First, it is related to cricket, and in India, this sport is hailed as a cultural phenomenon impacting Indian society. The sport acts as a bridge and helps governments to build national conscience or patriotism. It is treated as more than a religion, an inspiration for millions.
- Second, fantasy cricket apps are a safe, secure platform for cricket lovers to showcase their crazy passion and obsession with this sport. It allows cricket enthusiasts to be a part of the on-field action virtually. Players must create virtual cricket teams of real-life cricketers and engage in different cricket leagues and tournaments, including T20, T20, ODI, etc.
So, if you have yet to try the fantasy cricket app, this is your wake-up call. You are missing out on something big! However, fantasy cricket games are met with a lot of skepticism. Many people fear dipping their toes into this world, thinking it is illegal as it involves earning money. But this game has nothing to do with luck. The fantasy points scored wholly depend on the players’ performance on the ground during a specific match. Also, creating virtual cricket teams without cricketing knowledge will not take you very far. Therefore, you must follow fantasy cricket tips diligently, and one of the most critical tips is to understand the metrics impacting a player’s performance. This will help create a solid virtual team considering and analyzing player performances. Let’s decode the player performance metrics to catapult your virtual fantasy team to success.
● Batting average
The batting average is one of the most universal and oldest tools to analyze a hitter’s success. This key performance metric reflects a batsman’s consistency in scoring runs.
The batting average is ascertained by dividing the batsman’s hits by his total-at-bat for a number between zero and one. A higher batting average means better performance.
Although batting average is a valuable tool and a good player performance metric, it is not all-encompassing. For example, it does not consider the number of times a batsman reaches base via hit-by-pitches or walks. Also, the hit type isn’t taken into account. Hence, do not skip any of the performance metrics mentioned here. The sum total of their results will clarify which players must belong to your virtual cricket team.
● Strike rate
Strike rate refers to two statistics – batting strike rate and bowling strike rate. The batting strike rate measures how quickly a batsman’s score runs. It is the average number of runs scored per 100 balls faced. If the strike rate is higher, it means the batsman is impactful and aggressive. A lower strike rate indicates the player is more cautious or defensive. The strike rate is essential in limited-overs cricket, while it is of secondary importance in Test cricket. In Test cricket, the batting average is the most important statistic. The bowling strike rate refers to the average number of balls bowled per wicket. If the strike rate is lower, it means the bowler is effective at taking wickets quickly.
● Number of wickets taken
Analyzing the number of wickets taken in recent matches will give you loads of insight into the form and performance of a bowler. This is an essential metric for bowlers. If the number of wickets taken is higher, it means the bowler is in good bowling form. You can include such bowlers in your virtual team, and they may help you win big fantasy points.
● Runs scored
Studying and analyzing the total runs scored by a batsman in recent matches will provide you with valuable insights into their ability to score big. It will also reveal their current form.
Also, take into account the number of boundaries hit and sixes scored.
● Economy rate
This is another metric for assessing a bowler’s form and performance. The economy rate measures the average number of runs the bowlers have conceded per over bowled. If the economy rate is lower, it indicates that the bowler’s performance is top-notch.
The economy rate is calculated as follows:
Economy rate = Runs conceded/Overs bowled
The economy rate is much more critical in limited-overs cricket than in Test cricket matches. This is because in Test and other long forms of the game, time is plentiful, and the innings terminate when all ten wickets are taken. On the other hand, shorter forms of the game demand that the bowlers limit the flow of runs from the opposite team so that their team has a better chance of winning the match.
● Fielding statistics
Fielding statistics is the statistical way of measuring the fielding ability of cricketers, and it considers run-outs, catches, and run-out assists. It also includes stumping for wicketkeepers. Analyzing these will give you a better idea of whether you should include the player in your fantasy cricket team.
● Recent form
Recent form refers to keeping a watchful eye on the players’ performance in recent matches. Following how they performed in the latest matches will give you valuable insight into their present playing form or condition. It is essential for a player to consistently perform to be considered if they are in good form. For instance, for a batter, good form means scoring a good amount of runs and maintaining a consistent strike rate.
Conclusion
So, the next time you struggle to create your fantasy cricket team, keep in mind the above-mentioned performance metrics of batters, bowlers, fielders, and all-rounders.
