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How to play fantasy cricket

How to play fantasy cricket: 11-player team, 100 credits, captain pick

How to play fantasy cricket in India, step by step: build your first 11-player fantasy XI within a 100-credit cap, balance the role split, choose captain (2×) and vice-captain (1.5×), join a contest, and lock your XI before the toss. This guide is for first-time players; if you have played before, the captain-matrix and contest-room guides will be more useful.

How to play fantasy cricket

The 100-credit cap and the role balance rule

Every fantasy XI must fit inside a 100-credit cap. Each player has a credit cost set by the platform based on recent form, ownership, and match-up. The role balance rule says: your XI must include a defined number of wicket-keepers, batsmen, all-rounders and bowlers. The exact split depends on the contest type, but the typical IPL fantasy XI is 1 wicket-keeper, 3-5 batsmen, 1-3 all-rounders and 3-5 bowlers.

Wicket-keeper (1-4 slots)

Usually 1 in a standard fantasy XI; some contests allow up to 4. The keeper gets batting points + catch + stumping points.

Batsman (1-8 slots)

Often 3-5 in a standard XI. Counts runs, boundaries, strike-rate bonuses, half-century and century milestones.

All-rounder (1-8 slots)

Players who bat and bowl. Counted in both batting and bowling point buckets. Often the highest-scoring players per credit.

Bowler (1-8 slots)

Counts wickets, economy bonuses, LBW / bowled bonuses, three-wicket / four-wicket / five-wicket milestones.

How to play fantasy cricket

Captain and vice-captain: the multipliers

Captain score is multiplied by 2×; vice-captain score by 1.5×. The multiplier is applied to the player's full final score (batting + bowling + fielding), not just one bucket. The captain choice is the single biggest scoring decision in your fantasy XI. See the captain-matrix guide for the four-factor scoring framework.

Captain (C) — 2× multiplier

A captain's score is multiplied by 2× across the full final score. Picking the right captain often moves you up several thousand ranks in a large contest.

Vice-captain (VC) — 1.5× multiplier

A vice-captain's score is multiplied by 1.5×. The VC is the backup captain — used as a hedge when the captain choice has high variance.

Do not pick C and VC from the same fragile role

A common mistake: both captain and vice-captain are pace bowlers on a flat pitch. If both fail, your XI loses the multiplier twice.

Differential captain in mega contests

In mega contests with 1,000+ entries, picking a low-ownership captain can deliver a large rank jump when the player performs. Risk and reward both rise.

How to play fantasy cricket

Common first-time mistakes

Most first-time fantasy players make a small set of predictable mistakes. Each one is cheap to avoid; each one can ruin an otherwise good XI.

Spending all 100 credits

You do not need to use all 100 credits. The cap is a maximum, not a target. Sometimes the optimal XI costs 95-98 credits because you saved credits on a differential pick.

Captain based on career stats

A player's career average is less predictive than their last 5 innings. Captain based on recent form + venue + matchup, not reputation.

Ignoring the role balance rule

The platform will reject an XI that violates the role balance rule. Confirm the role split before you pick your XI.

Editing after the deadline

The contest locks at the toss. After the lock, your XI is final. Make your edits before the deadline, not after.

How to play fantasy cricket

What happens after you lock your XI

Once the contest locks, your XI is set. The match is played. Your 11 players score points in real time based on their actual performance. The platform shows your rank in the contest based on the live total. At the end of the match, final rankings are published and winners are paid according to the prize pool.

Real-time scoring

Most platforms show live scoring as the match progresses. Runs, wickets, boundaries, catches and strike-rate bonuses update in real time.

Final ranking and payout

At the end of the match, the platform calculates final scores (with captain and VC multipliers applied) and publishes final rankings. Winners are paid according to the contest prize structure.

Withdrawal to your bank

KYC must be complete before withdrawal. Most platforms pay to the bank account linked during KYC within 24-72 hours of contest settlement.

Track your ROI

Keep a record of contest entry fees and winnings per format. Calculate ROI for mega contests, H2H and small leagues separately. Focus your budget on the format where you consistently profit.

common questions

What to check before you play

How many players do I pick in a fantasy cricket XI?+

11 players, within a 100-credit cap, balancing roles (typically 1 wicket-keeper, 3-5 batsmen, 1-3 all-rounders, 3-5 bowlers).

What does the captain do in fantasy cricket?+

The captain's score is multiplied by 2× across the full final score. The vice-captain's score is multiplied by 1.5×. The captain choice is the single biggest scoring decision.

Can I edit my fantasy XI after the toss?+

No. The contest locks at the toss in most rooms. Final edits must happen before the deadline.

How much does it cost to play fantasy cricket?+

Practice contests are free. Paid contests range from ₹10 to several hundred rupees. Set a daily budget before you open the app.

What is the minimum age?+

18 years and above. KYC verification is required before withdrawal.