Five players to stick to during the entire duration of the classic game
The season fantasy is like running a marathon. You know your cards, but need to use them wisely to stay alive and finish well. But there are a few players who should be assured, undroppable picks in your season side. Here are five of them.
Virat Kohli
The Indian skipper is a modern day giant in ODI cricket. With 4306 runs in 69 matches since the last World Cup, Kohli is miles ahead of the next competitor and is a fantastic pick in your season team. Where consistency is hard to find, Kohli has mastered the art and it would not be wise to drop him from your season fantasy side. With consistent runs, he could give you maximum points during the entire World Cup.
Imran Tahir
The South African leg-spinner is on his last World Cup but is undoubtedly a force to contend with in ODIs. He made his debut in the 2011 World Cup and has been an explosive force in the two elite tournaments. He has 29 wickets in World Cups - the third most by any current player in the tournament - and has been a strike bowler for South Africa. In season-long fantasy, where consistent wicket-takers are quite valuable, Tahir is one to stick by through thick and thin.
Jonny Bairstow
The recent form makes Jonny Bairstow an absolute must have in your fantasy team for both daily and season-long contests. But in the ICC Dream 11 season long format, in particular, you do not want to drop this belligerent hitter. The England opener has 2178 runs in 55 matches after the last World Cup at an average of 50.65 but more importantly, he strikes at a rate close to 110. He makes a century every 5.1 times he opens in ODIs, which is a compelling enough number to keep him in your season long fantasy team permanently and to skipper him in a few rounds.
Jasprit Bumrah
A strike bowler like no other in ODIs of late, Bumrah is a gem in fantasy cricket. In season-long fantasy where you want to have ridiculously consistent players, Bumrah is a must-have. He picks wickets regularly, is economical and more often than not is India's best strike bowler. Expect him to roar at the World Cup and if you have him as a constant in your season team, be assured that Bumrah will give you plenty of points.
David Warner
The Australian is returning from a long hiatus from the national team but he is hungry for runs and success as his exploits in the IPL showed. When Warner makes runs, he makes a lot of them. It would be suicidal to drop him from your season fantasy side at any stage. Warner could hurt you with big hundreds at a frenetic pace and in fantasy that translates into bucket loads of points. He is one guy to stick to even if he takes a couple of matches to get going.