If you're playing fantasy cricket this IPL season, you're probably already trying to build the perfect team. But here’s the truth — even the most experienced fantasy players make mistakes that cost them big. So, before you start predicting your IPL fantasy team, let’s talk about the top mistakes you should avoid if you want to win consistently.

Whether you're a beginner or someone who’s been playing for years, avoiding these errors can help you stay ahead of the competition — especially in tight leagues.

 

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1. Picking Players Based on Popularity, Not Performance

We all love star players like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, or Rohit Sharma. But fantasy cricket is all about current form — not past glory. Many users pick famous names even when they’re out of form, just because they are fan favorites.

What to do instead?
Always check recent performances. Look at the last 3–5 games. If a lesser-known player is scoring 40+ runs or taking 2 wickets per game, he deserves a spot more than a big name who isn’t delivering.

 

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2. Not Understanding How Fantasy Points Work

If you don’t know how players earn points, your team is like a car with no engine. You might select a batter who only scores runs but ignore a bowler who takes wickets, bowls maiden overs, and earns more points overall.

Quick fix:
Learn the point system. Vision11 has a very useful breakdown of how points are calculated. Check it out here:
???? Vision11 Fantasy Points System Explained

This guide will help you pick multi-skilled players who give better returns.

 

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3. Ignoring the Toss & Final Playing XI

This is a super common mistake. Many users build their team hours before the match and forget to check the final XI after the toss.

Why this matters:

• Your selected player might be benched.
   

• Pitch report may change the type of players you need.
   

• Team combination becomes clear only after toss.
   

What to do:
Always wait till the toss happens (about 30–35 minutes before match start). Make changes accordingly.

 

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4. Going All In on One Team

Some fantasy players pick 7 or 8 players from the same team because they feel that team will dominate. But what if the match is a low-scoring one or the other team performs better?

Better strategy:
Keep a balanced mix — 5:6 or 6:5 ratio between both teams. This ensures that even if one team underperforms slightly, your entire fantasy team won’t collapse.

 

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5. Choosing the Wrong Captain & Vice-Captain

Your captain gets 2x points and vice-captain gets 1.5x. This is where most matches are won or lost in fantasy leagues.

Big mistake:
People often choose captains based on names, not based on their matchups or recent form.

Smart move:
Pick consistent all-rounders or top-order batters as captain. Bowlers who bowl death overs can also be great vice-captains, especially if they take wickets regularly.

 

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6. Not Studying the Pitch & Match Conditions

Every ground behaves differently. Some pitches help fast bowlers, some are spin-friendly, and some are perfect for batting.

Example:

• Wankhede Stadium is great for batters.
   

• Chepauk helps spinners.
   

• Eden Gardens supports big hitters.
   

Also, factor in dew and weather conditions. It can affect who bats second and who performs better. These small details matter more than you think.

 

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7. Chasing Grand League Glory Every Time

It’s exciting to enter grand leagues and dream of winning big, but many beginners go only for risky picks in hopes of being unique.

What usually happens?
You lose consistently.

Balanced strategy:
Play a mix of small leagues (where you can win more often) and grand leagues (with 1–2 differentials). Don’t risk everything on one high-risk strategy.

 

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8. Ignoring Recent Fantasy Points Trends

A big part of making a smart IPL fantasy team prediction is watching recent points scored by players. Fantasy apps often show average points of the last few games. Use that data!

You don’t need to be a cricket expert — just observe:

• Who’s consistently performing?
   

• Who’s giving 50+ points regularly?
   

• Which uncapped players are becoming match-winners?
   

Use trends to your advantage.

 

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Final Thoughts

Winning in fantasy cricket isn’t about luck — it’s about avoiding common mistakes and making smarter choices. You don’t need to spend hours researching; just stick to the basics:

• Pick based on form, not fame.
   

• Learn the point system from Vision11’s guide.
   

• Balance your team and study pitch reports.
   

• Make sure your captain/vice-captain choices are thoughtful, not rushed.
   

By avoiding the mistakes mentioned above, your IPL fantasy team predictions will become sharper, and your winnings will likely grow too.

Now go ahead, build your squad wisely—and most importantly, enjoy the game!