Last week, last chance – go beyond popularity charts

Similarly, a number of bowlers from the Associate countries have more points than established stars from other teams. Scotland's Joshua Davey costs just 70000 and is a part of only 2% of Fantasy League sides, but with 494 points from four matches to his name, he has outperformed the likes of Dale Steyn (449 points from five matches), Lasith Malinga (409 points from five matches) and James Anderson (96 points from four matches). Afghanistan's fast-bowling star Shapoor Zadran is a reliable pick too and is the most successful Fantasy League player from an associate nation, with 512 points from five matches. Hamid Hassan, Samiullah Shenwari, Paul Stirling, Kevin O'Brien, Richie Berrington and Amjad Naveed are few other valuable picks from the associates.

The lesser-popular players (in Fantasy League terms) outperforming the bigger names is not restricted to Associate countries alone. Daniel Vettori and Sean Williams feature only in around 10% of the sides, but have more than 850 points each. Similarly, Wahab Riaz is a part of only 7% of the sides, but has amassed 743 points already. Indian fans love to pick their dashing batsmen, but it is the bowlers who are giving them the points. Mohammed Shami is leading their charts with 578 points, R Ashwin is close behind with 581 while Umesh Yadav, a steal at 75000, has given 424 points.

Make no mistake, this doesn't mean that you should fill your side only with these value picks. The Kohlis and Glenn Maxwells are popular for a reason and dropping them for even one match could turn out to be costly (as I found out the hard way when I went in without Maxwell and Sangakkara on Sunday). Striking a balance between the stars and the lesser-knowns and maximising points with the Power Player option are the biggest challenges in the competition and is completely up to the team manager.

There are broadly two types of players in the Fantasy League. The Virender Sehwag type player who will always gamble with the McCullums and Chris Gayles, and the Rahul Dravid type who will be happy to play safe with Kane Williamson type of picks. Whichever type you are, remember that there are a lot more options apart from the regulars who can help you move up the ladder.

Last week. Last chance.

Karthik Lakshmanan is Senior Staff Writer at Wisden India. He tweets@lk_karthik