Why most fantasy-cricket tips fail
Most fantasy-cricket tips are recycled. They tell you to 'pick in-form players' or 'check the pitch' without telling you how. The Fantoss tips hub is different — each rule is anchored on a specific decision and includes a worked example from the last IPL season. Read the eighteen rules once and apply them in every contest.
The eighteen rules are anchored on a specific decision and include a worked example from the last IPL season. Read the rules once and apply them in every contest.
Bankroll rules are the most underrated. Most fantasy players lose not because of bad picks but because of bad bankroll management. The 1% rule, the monthly withdrawal and the time-out after a 5-loss streak are the three rules that protect the bankroll.
Differential selection is high-variance. Two differentials per lineup is the right number; three or more adds variance without improving expected value. The desk cites the match-up data that supports the differential — read it before locking the lineup.
At a glance
Captaincy rules — the highest-leverage decisions
Pick a player whose role guarantees touches
Openers face a guaranteed number of balls; death-over bowlers bowl a guaranteed quota. Avoid captaincy on all-rounders who may sit out a phase.
These eighteen rules are the same ones the Fantoss editorial desk uses when writing the match brief. We do not publish tips that we ourselves do not follow. The rules are updated annually — the 2024 version is published on this page; the 2025 version is the current one.
The bankroll rules are the most underrated. Most fantasy players lose not because of bad picks but because of bad bankroll management. The 1% rule, the monthly withdrawal and the time-out after a 5-loss streak are the three rules that protect the bankroll.
What is the 1% rule? Never enter a contest with more than 1% of your bankroll. The rule protects the bankroll from variance.
How many differentials should I pick? Two low-owned picks (under 15% ownership) per lineup. Three or more adds variance without improving expected value.
What is the most important rule? Pick a captain whose role guarantees touches. Role is the most important variable in the captain pick; form is the second.
Differential selection is high-variance. Two differentials per lineup is the right number; three or more adds variance without improving expected value. The desk cites the match-up data that supports the differential — read it before locking the lineup.
Use ownership as a check, not a directive
If the obvious captain is in 60% of lineups, you need a reason to pick them, not a reason to avoid them. Differential captaincy has to be backed by match-up data.
Anchor the captain pick on role, not form
A player in form who does not bat in the top six is a worse captain pick than an out-of-form opener. Role is the most important variable.
Avoid captaincy on impact players
The impact-player rule (IPL only) allows a substitution. If your captain is the likely impact-player substitute, the captain multiplier may not apply. Avoid this risk.
Differential captaincy needs match-up data
A differential captain pick (under 20% ownership) is high-risk unless the match-up data supports it. The desk cites the relevant data in the brief.
Vice-captain is not the second-best pick
Vice-captain is a 1.5x multiplier. Choose a player whose role guarantees touches in a different phase — e.g. captain the opener, vice-captain the death-over bowler.
Differential selection — when to pick the low-owned player
Pick two differentials max
Two low-owned picks (under 15% ownership) are enough to swing the contest rank. Three or more adds variance without improving expected value.
Differentials need match-up data
A differential pick without match-up data is gambling. The desk cites match-up data in the brief — use it.
Differentials in the middle order
Middle-order batters and fifth-bowler options are the safest differentials because their role is often undervalued by the lobby.
Differentials on turning tracks
Spinners are under-owned on turning tracks. The desk flags likely wicket-taking spells in the brief — back the spinner as a differential pick.
Differentials in low-scoring matches
On a green seamer, bowlers are over-owned and batters are under-owned. Pick an opener as a differential — they get the best pitch conditions.
Avoid differentials in the captain role
Differential captaincy is the highest-leverage decision. Stack the captain pick on a high-ownership player unless the match-up data is overwhelming.
Bankroll rules — managing contest money
Set a deposit limit inside the wallet
Daily, weekly or monthly. The limit is enforced even if you try to raise it during the same session. Increases take 24 hours to take effect.
Stick to the 1% rule
Never enter a contest with more than 1% of your bankroll. A 1% rule means a 10-loss streak does not wipe out the bankroll.
Track every contest in a spreadsheet
Date, fixture, captain pick, contest type, entry fee, payout, notes. The spreadsheet is the only fantasy education that compounds.
Withdraw winnings monthly
Move winnings out of the contest wallet monthly. The discipline of withdrawal protects the bankroll from the variance of contest play.
Take a time-out after a 5-loss streak
A 5-loss streak is variance, not bad picks. Take a 24-hour time-out inside the wallet. Review the spreadsheet when you return.
Do not chase losses
Increasing the entry fee to recover a bad day does not work — variance is high and a larger entry fee amplifies the loss.
Frequently asked questions about fantasy tips
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important rule?
Pick a captain whose role guarantees touches. Role is the most important variable in the captain pick; form is the second.
How many differentials should I pick?
Two low-owned picks (under 15% ownership) per lineup. Three or more adds variance without improving expected value.
What is the 1% rule?
Never enter a contest with more than 1% of your bankroll. The rule protects the bankroll from variance.
How often should I withdraw?
Monthly. Move winnings out of the contest wallet monthly to protect the bankroll from variance.
Should I keep a spreadsheet?
Yes. Track every contest in a spreadsheet — date, fixture, captain pick, contest type, entry fee, payout, notes. The spreadsheet is the only fantasy education that compounds.
What do I do after a losing streak?
Take a 24-hour time-out inside the wallet. Review the spreadsheet when you return. Do not chase losses by increasing the entry fee.
