Fantasy: Expect batters to come good on high-scoring Guwahati surface

Rajasthan Royals will take on Delhi Capitals in Match 11 of the Indian Premier League 2023 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday (April 8). 

The Royals started their campaign with a 72-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad but fell short by five runs against Punjab Kings. Despite the defeat, Rajasthan looked quite solid, unlike Delhi who have lost both their games by significant margins.

Ground details

The Barsapara Cricket Stadium is a high-scoring venue. The batters here have operated at a scoring rate of 10.6 and an average of 49.8 in the two matches that have been played here since 2022. India played a T20I against South Africa in October 2022 and won by only 16 runs despite amassing 237/3 in their first innings. In fact, only six wickets fell in that game across 20 overs.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan recently played Punjab and both teams managed a 190-plus score. After Punjab slammed 197/4 in their 20 overs, Rajasthan got 192/7 in response. Both fast bowlers (57.4) and spinners (53.4) have an average of way above 50 but the latter have been slightly more economical (9.2 v 11.3). You know what to do, get as many batters as possible.

Suggested teams

While you could go for the above team, you can choose your team from Cricket.com's Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.

Captaincy suggestions

For small leagues: Jos Buttler (capt), Sanju Samson (vice-capt)

For grand leagues: David Warner (capt), Axar Patel (vice-capt)

Stats that matter

If you go by numbers, Jos Buttler should be the captain of your side. 936 runs in 19 innings at an average of 55.06 and a strike rate of 152.9 in IPL since 2022, Buttler has set the stage on fire almost every time he has walked out to bat. Moreover, the right-hander has an average of 36 and a strike rate of 163.6 against DC’s premier pacer - Anrich Nortje.

In IPL since 2018, Buttler (2377 @ 152.1), Rishabh Pant (2274 @ 147.2) and Sanju Samson (2197 @ 145.6) are the only three with a strike rate of above 140 amongst batters who have scored at least 2000 runs. Samson also has a good record against Khaleel Ahmed and Axar Patel in this period.

Anrich Nortje has been in phenomenal form in T20s since the start of 2023. In 14 games, the tearaway quick has 25 wickets at an economy of 6.6 and a strike rate of 12.9.  

Grand League punts

Axar Patel’s bowling numbers (average 29.7, strike rate 22.7) haven’t been great since 2022 but his batting has immensely improved. In 27 innings since 2022, the left-hander has smashed 444 runs at an average of 29.6 and a strike rate of 158.6. If you are talking about this year, Axar has 169 runs @ 56.33 and an SR of 181.7.

Delhi need David Warner to return back to his brutal best as soon as possible. The left-handed opener got a 48-ball 56 against Lucknow Super Giants and then managed 37 off 32 against Gujarat Titans. He got runs in both of these games but that came at a strike rate of less than 120. However, these two knocks would have allowed him to settle in and the management would now hope that their captain would step up big time against Rajasthan.

Probable XIs:

Rajasthan - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, KM Asif/Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Delhi - Prithvi Shaw, David Warner (c), Mitchell Marsh, Sarfaraz Khan/Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw, Axar Patel, Abishek Porel (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar.