Team Mumbai will take on Team Rajasthan in Match 9 of Indian T20 League 2022 at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday, April 2. The match will start at 3:30 PM IST.

Rajasthan and Mumbai registered contrasting starts to their latest campaigns, with the former claiming a 61-run win over Hyderabad and five-time champions Mumbai slumping to a four-wicket loss at the hands of Delhi.

One of the most entertaining fixtures in the past in the Indian T20 League, the latest Mumbai vs Rajasthan clash will see the latter return to the venue where they won the inaugural edition with late legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne as captain.   

Mumbai vs Rajasthan key player battles

Kieron Pollard vs Ravichandran Ashwin

Kieron Pollard has been one of Mumbai’s biggest batting mainstays in the Indian T20 League, with 3,271 runs in 179 matches for the franchise. But surprisingly enough, the star all-rounder has had a hard time against Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

The pair have met on 10 occasions, with Ashwin dismissing Pollard four times in 37 deliveries. Kieron Pollard has managed to score 54 runs but the tally seems a bit underwhelming for a player of his calibre.

Kieron Pollard record vs Ravichandran Ashwin
Innings	Runs scored	Balls faced	Dismissed	Strike rate
10	54	37	4	145.94

Ishan Kishan vs Yuzvendra Chahal

Ishan Kishan’s battle against Yuzvendra Chahal will be a decisive one in the Mumbai vs Rajasthan fixture.

In five head-to-head meetings, Kishan has slammed just 47 runs off 25 deliveries while being dismissed on three occasions. Looking at the former’s strong start with the bat in Indian T20 League 2022, Yuzvendra Chahal will have the chief task to stop Ishan Kishan from notching another big score on the trot.

Ishan Kishan’s record vs Yuzvendra Chahal
Innings	Runs scored	Balls faced	Dismissed	Strike rate
5	47	25	3	188.00

Shimron Hetmyer vs Jasprit Bumrah

Shimron Hetmyer is one batter who can play crucial knocks in the middle order for Rajasthan, and he showed a glimpse of his usual best in the 61-run victory against Hyderabad. Given the stakes at hand, Hetmyer will aim to improve his Indian T20 League record against Jasprit Bumrah.

In seven deliveries bowled by Bumrah, Shimron Hetmyer has hit just six runs while being bowled out twice.

Shimron Hetmyer's record vs Jasprit Bumrah
Innings	Runs scored	Balls faced	Dismissed	Strike rate
4	6	7	2	85.71

Featured photo: AFP / PUNIT PARANJPE

West Indies will kick off their tour of New Zealand with a three-match T20I series against the Kiwis starting November 27. Their roster consists of some really exciting young players this time and here, we'll take a look at five of those young guns.

Shimron Hetmyer

The 23-year-old left-handed batsman is one of the most exciting prospects in world cricket right now. Hetmyer has already featured in 25 T20Is for West Indies and is coming into this series on the back of an impressive CPL and Indian T20 League season. While Hetmyer scored 268 runs at an average of 33.38 batting mostly in the top order during the CPL, he scored 185 runs at an average of 23.12 batting in the lower middle-order for Delhi in the Indian T20 League. He is expected to be back in the top four in the West Indies lineup during this series. The short boundaries and flat decks at the venues will suit his style of batting as well.

Nicholas Pooran

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who has already represented West Indies in 21 T20Is, is coming into this series on the back of a terrific Indian T20 League season with Punjab. Pooran scored 353 runs at an average of 35.30 and his strike-rate of 169.71 was the fourth-best in the season among batsmen who had scored at least 200 runs. He had an excellent CPL season prior to that as well, during which he amassed 245 runs at 27.22 and these runs included a century as well. Like Hetmyer, he is going to enjoy the conditions in New Zealand as well.

Fabian Allen

The 25-year-old is one of the most exciting all-rounders in the T20 format at present. Allen is not only an excellent lower-order power-hitter but an effective slow left-arm orthodox spinner as well. In his 25-game T20 career so far, Allen has scored a total of 404 runs at an excellent strike-rate of 164.89. His batting average of 25.25 shows he gives consistent returns as well. His bowling returns aren't bad either as he has 16 wickets to his name at a decent economy rate of 7.43. Allen is an excellent fielder too and he has already shown that in the limited number of matches he has played.

Keemo Paul

The 22-year-old has established himself as one of West Indies' best death-bowling resources in this format. Paul has good variations up his sleeves and his ability to bowl consistent and accurate yorkers makes him a valuable bowling asset. He has played 18 T20Is for West Indies till now and picked up 24 wickets in them at an excellent strike-rate of 16.20. He is quite a handy lower-order batsman as well and that just strengthens West Indies' batting unit further.

Oshane Thomas

He does have a lot to improve but the 23-year-old is already an imposing bowler due to the pace at which he bowls and the bounce he generates with his high point of delivery. Thomas does struggle with his inconsistent line and length sometimes but it is a treat to watch him at his best. He has featured in 12 T20Is so far and picked up 15 wickets in them at a strike-rate of 17.6. That includes best figures of 5/28 against Sri Lanka as well.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Randy Brooks

Some big hitting at the end of their batting effort and an inspired bowling performance saw Delhi register a 46-run victory over Rajasthan and ascend to the top of the Indian T20 League standings.

Here are the key talking points from the contest:

Shimron's stellar night

Despite scoring just 46 runs through the first five matches, Delhi's think-tank continued to believe in Shimron Hetmyer's abilities and the West Indian finally delivered for the side, scoring 45 off just 24 balls to help his side post an excellent total of 184. Hetmyer came in to bat in rather dire circumstances with his team reeling at 79/4 in just the 10^th over, but the Guyanese batsman did not hold back and went after the bowling attack, helping himself to his highest score of the season.

Tewatia the lone warrior

In a team housing some of the world's best players in Steve Smith, Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler, all-rounder Rahul Tewatia is emerging as the team’s most valuable player this season. The 27-year-old was brilliant with the ball, giving away just 20 runs in his four overs, also dismissing the dangerous Marcus Stoinis just when he was getting in his groove. Tewatia then batted valiantly, scoring 38 off 29 balls to keep his side in the hunt but ultimately couldn’t help his side avoid defeat. Irrespective of the result, Rajasthan will be pleased with the performance of their all-rounder.

Ashwin and Anrich annihilate Rajasthan

Defending 184, Delhi knew that the key to winning the contest was ensuring that they get both Steve Smith and Jos Buttler early in their innings, and they did just that, thanks to their pace-spin duo of Anrich Nortje and Ravichandran Ashwin. The spinner picked up the prized wicket of Buttler in the third over of the match while the speedster dismissed Smith in the ninth, breaking a budding partnership between the Australian and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo combined to give away just 47 runs in their eight overs - an economy of under six - which helped Delhi bundle Rajasthan out for just 138.

Samson's stuttering form

While nobody questions how incredibly talented Sanju Samson is, his inconsistent form has always been a bane on his CV and he’s showcasing it yet again during this season. He scored 159 runs in his first two outings with the bat this season but has since scored only 17 runs in four matches at an abysmal average of 4.25 and a strike rate of just 73.91. While be continues to be a mainstay in the Rajasthan line-up, his performances haven’t warranted the trust the team have shown in him.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter.com / Indian T20 League

Delhi are probably an outlier among IPL franchises in that they are the only team that won't be hugely crippled if the league is suddenly made all Indian with no overseas talent. Such is the strength of Indian players in their team that the overseas recruits are often mere sidekicks. That said, DC have a strong group of overseas talent and an overflow of options in certain departments. We try to identify the DC overseas players who should get maximum game time this season in the IPL.

Overseas players: Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Kagiso Rabada, Alex Carey, Daniel Sams, Anrich Nortje, Keemo Paul, Sandeep Lamichhane

Kagiso Rabada

The certain first-choice pick is Kagiso Rabada, the leader of the pace attack. Even though Delhi have Indian seamers in Ishant Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Avesh Khan and Harshal Patel, Rabada adds a sting to the attack and is a certain starter for Delhi this season. Last year, Rabada finished with 25 wickets - one below the league topper - in 12 matches and was effective with the new ball and in the death. He should be used in a similar role this year.

Sandeep Lamichhane

While Delhi have a strong group of spinners in Amit Mishra, Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin, Sandeep Lamichhane adds an element of mystery to the attack while being potentially very dangerous in the middle overs, particularly on the slow, low wickets in Delhi. Lamichhane has recent experience of playing in the Caribbean Premier League on these kinds of wickets and should be a handful for some IPL batsmen because of his mastery.

Shimron Hetmyer

Let's face it. It's difficult to squeeze in a top-order batsman in the Delhi line-up because of the overdose of Indian batsmen there. From Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw to Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, the top order is packed. But they have got to find a way to squeeze in Hetmyer in the line-up. A simple answer could be to use him as a floater with Shreyas Iyer potentially moving down based on match situation, given that he is adept against spin-bowling. Hetmyer too is a powerful spin hitter and alongside Pant and Iyer, could be destructive against spinners in the middle overs.

Keemo Paul

This is perhaps a surprising choice given that Delhi have Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey and Daniel Sams, all Australians and favoured by head coach Ricky Ponting. But Paul is a versatile T20 player with several variations and can also wield the long handle. An effective late-order batsman and a death overs bowler, Paul will add an entirely different dimension to the Delhi attack. Given that there's no room for Stoinis at the top and his batting in the death is questionable, the Australian might have to sit most games out. The same goes for Carey who has once again thrived in the BBL in a top-order role. Paul, though, is fully aware of these conditions playing in the Caribbean and is a different player to the ones Delhi already have in their certain starting line-up.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Sajjad Hussain

The first few games of the Caribbean Premier League were thrilling and action-packed.

The finest players of the format have been showcasing just why they were so highly touted before the season with their tremendous performances in the opening six matches of the new season.

With the league resuming after a day's break, we take a look at five players that everyone needs to watch out for:

Sunil Narine �?Trinbago Knight Riders 

All-rounder Sunil Narine has been incredible in the Trinbago Knight Riders�?first two matches in the Caribbean Premier League.

Narine bowled a stellar spell of 2-19 in four overs and then smashed 50 off 28 balls to guide the tournament favourites to an easy victory in the opening match of the season. 

In the second match against the Jamaica Tallawahs, Narine yet again spun a web around the batting lineup, giving away just 19 runs and picking up a wicket. Opening the innings, the 32-year-old smashed his second fifty in as many matches, scoring 53 off 38 balls to lead the Knight Riders to an easy victory.

• Twitter in awe as Sunil Narine's all-round show lights CPL 2020

Narine’s sensational form makes him our top player to watch out for.

Asif Ali �?Jamaica Tallawahs

Having come in to bat with the Tallawahs in a spot of bother at 76-3 chasing 159, Pakistani batsman Asif Ali smashed a brilliant 47 off 27 balls which included five fours and two sixes, to help his side register a victory in their opening match of the tournament.

Ali was yet again the crisis man for the Tallawahs against the Knight Riders, walking in with his team’s score reading 19-3 in just the third over. The 28-year-old played a gritty knock of 22 off 16 balls before being cleaned up by Narine. Ali has been solid so far for the Tallawahs and given the terrible state of their top order outside of Glenn Phillips, the Pakistani batsman will need to keep his form up if his side is to do well.

Shimron Hetmyer �?Guyana Amazon Warriors

Top-order batsman Shimron Hetmyer has been a lone warrior with the bat for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

He scored 63 off 44 balls against the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Warriors�?opening match of the tournament. Hetmyer followed that up with a match-winning 71 off 44 balls against the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, scoring over half of the target by himself.

The 23-year-old is in terrific form and the Warriors will be hopeful that Hetmyer can keep this going.

Keemo Paul �?Guyana Amazon Warriors

While Hetmyer has been the Warriors�?star with the bat, all-rounder Keemo Paul has been dealing damage with the ball.

The 22-year-old gave away 21 runs in his three overs against the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Warriors�?opening match of the season. In their second against the Patriots, Paul picked up four wickets while conceding just 19 in his quota of four overs.

A top start for a talented young player.

Jason Holder �?Barbados Tridents 

Tridents�?skipper Jason Holder was tremendous in the reigning champions�?victory in their opening match against Patriots. 

The skipper scored 38 off 22 balls and then gave away just 21 in his quota of four overs, as his team successfully defended 153. Holder then smashed 27 off just 12 balls in the Tridents�?second match against the St. Lucia Zouks. While he did not bowl particularly well giving away 13 runs in his only over.

If you wish to raise the stakes further, Sportsbet.io has even more to offer!

Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @CPL

Eyeballs will be glued onto TV screens when the eighth edition of the Caribbean Premier League returns on August 18th. The six-team, 33-match tournament will be held in Trinidad & Tobago and will be the first major T20 league to mark its return amid the global pandemic.

With no international series or fellow T20 leagues hindering the participation of top players, the eighth season of the CPL promises to be one of its best. With so much talent on show, we pick out five that will be must-watch during the tournament: 

Shimron Hetmyer (Guyana Amazon Warriors)

Talented 23-year-old Shimron Hetmyer was part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors side that reached the final of the CPL last season, but on a personal note, the hard-hitting batsman had an average campaign. He scored just 224 runs in 12 matches at an average of 20.4 and a strike rate of 123.8.

While he may not have had the season he would’ve hoped for, Hetmyer’s ability is unquestionable and if he can replicate his form from 2018, where he stuck 440 runs, the Warriors could go one better than they did last season. 

Hayden Walsh Jr. (Barbados Tridents)

The player of the series in the last edition, Hayden Walsh was one of the primary reasons for the Barbados Tridents�?successful campaign in 2019.

The 28-year-old took 22 wickets at a tremendous average of 12.7 and strike rate of just 9.2. Walsh picked up two four-wicket hauls and one fifer in his nine appearances in 2019, illustrating how destructive he can be with the ball. The Tridents will rely on their leggie to lead them to their third CPL title in 2020. 

Chemar Holder (St Lucia Zouks)

He may not have made a telling impact in the CPL yet, but big things are expected from young speedster Chemar Holder in this year’s edition.

The 22-year-old, who rose to fame with his performance at the 2016 U-19 Cricket World Cup, has been terrorizing batsmen in the domestic circuit, picking up 76 wickets in 19 first-class matches. Playing for St Lucia Zouks will surely bring a whole lot of pressure on the youngster, but if his form is anything to go by, a special season could be in the offering from the young pacer.

Romario Shepherd (Guyana Amazon Warriors)

Bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd is an impact player with both, bat and ball.

The 25-year-old picked 13 wickets in 10 matches last season and batted at a tremendous strike rate 205. Shepherd’s stock has continued to rise over the past two years and having already played a big role in helping Guyana Amazon Warriors reach the final last season, Shepherd will be keen on aiding his side to win the title this year.

Sandeep Lamichhane (Jamaica Tallawahs)

20-year-old Nepalese leg-spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane has been tremendous in his nascent career so far.

Coming from a country not known for its cricket prowess, Lamichhane has defied odds and has been a world-class talent at this tender age. He has played 11 matches in the CPL and has picked up 15 wickets so far. But what stands out is his ability to put the brakes on the opposition. Lamichhane's economy in the CPL is under 6.5 and it will be interesting to see if he can yet again deliver the goods for the Jamaica Tallawahs this season.

If you wish to raise the stakes further, Sportsbet.io has even more to offer!

Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @GYAmazonWarrior

Following cricket’s return with West Indies�?tour of England amid the global pandemic, fans of the sport now have more reasons to get excited. Cricket’s shortest format, the T20s are set to make its return in August with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) slated to begin from Tuesday, August 18. With that in mind, here we take a trip down memory lane and have a look at the fastest centuries in the CPL.

Andre Russell vs Trinbago Knight Riders on 10 August 2018

One of Andre Russell’s most memorable T20 matches in any league, the powerful all-rounder shined with both bat and ball during this game. Russell was at his belligerent and match-winning best, scoring a 40-ball century as Jamaica Tallawahs successfully chased a target of 224. They eventually won the match with three balls and four wickets to spare, thanks to Russell, who remained 121 not out, smashing six boundaries and 13 sixes in his innings. When you add the fact that he also picked up a hat-trick within the final over of the first innings, it’s easy to recognise why Russell is known as one of the most dangerous and versatile all-rounders in the shortest form of cricket.

Andre Russell vs Trinbago Knight Riders on 5 August 2016

Another Russell masterclass two years prior to his century and hat-trick match came against the same opponents in Trinbago Knight Riders. After walking into the middle with the scoreboard reading four for 67, the powerful all-rounder went on to play with his natural approach and started hitting the Trinbago Knight Riders to all corners of the park. He completely changed the momentum of the contest by hitting a 42-ball century that featured three fours and 11 sixes. In the end, it was his innings that proved to be the difference as the Trinbago Knight Riders came up on the wrong end of a 19-run loss by the D/L method.

Shimron Hetmyer vs Jamaica Tallawahs on 18 August 2018

After making his way to the crease in the second over, Guyana Amazon Warriors�?Shimron Hetmyer offered the wider cricketing world beyond the West Indies a glimpse of his talent. The powerful left-hander took control of the innings with smart strokeplay and clever placement to score at a brisk pace. He, along with skipper Shoaib Malik, put on a 108-run stand for the third wicket, with Hetmyer playing the role of the aggressor. The elegant southpaw brought up his hundred in just 47 balls and it included 11 fours and five sixes. He helped Guyana post 209 and was declared Man of the Match following a 71-run win.

Chris Gayle vs Trinbago Knight Riders on 4 July 2016

Not many lists for fastest hundreds can be completed without a mention of Chris Gayle and unsurprisingly this one is no different. The West Indian legend was on song as the Jamaica Tallawahs chased down a target of 192 quite comfortably, with Gayle playing a starring role in the win. He remained unbeaten on 108 and brought up his century from just 49 deliveries. The self-proclaimed Universe Boss hit six fours and 11 sixes during his knock and deservedly took home the Man of the Match award.

Marlon Samuels vs Guyana Amazon Warriors on 7 August 2014

The only knock on this list that came in a losing effort, Marlon Samuels�?50-ball hundred was a record at the time. With their backs against the wall chasing a target of 213, three wickets inside the powerplay made things even more challenging. Samuels, to his credit, wasn’t prepared to give up the ghost and looked set to take the game down to the wire. However, the target proved to be beyond his reach even though his 50-ball hundred narrowed the margin of defeat. He remained unbeaten on 106 and hit 10 fours as well as eight sixes at a strike rate of more than 200.

Feature image courtesy: Facebook / @windiescricket

Veteran batsman Darren Bravo was among three West Indies cricketers to turn down a place in the squad for next month's three-Test tour of England, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Wednesday.

Also missing out are fellow batsman Shimron Hetmyer and fast-bowling all-rounder Keemo Paul.

"Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul all declined the invitation to travel to England for the tour and CWI fully respects their decision to choose to do so," CWI said in a statement.

"As previously stated, CWI will not hold this decision against these players when considering future selection."

Jason Holder will skipper a 14-man squad that features two newcomers in fast bowler Chemar Holder (no relation) and middle-order batsman Nkrumah Bonner. 

The squad also includes Shai Hope, who during the West Indies' 2017 Test match win at Headingley became the first batsman to score hundreds in both innings of a first-class match at Yorkshire's headquarters.

This year's three back-to-back Tests, rescheduled because of the outbreak, which the UK government says has claimed at least 39,000 lives in Britain, will be played behind closed doors.

Read | West Indies approve England Test tour, but players to take 50% pay cut

But a series that will span just 21 days remains subject to final approval from the UK government.

The touring party, who will all be tested for the disease this week, are scheduled to fly to England on private charters on June 8.

The West Indies squad will live, train and play in a "bio-secure" environment during the seven weeks of the tour, as part of the comprehensive medical plan to ensure player and staff safety, CWI said.

- Unfamiliar environment -

As the health protocols will restrict movement in and out of the venues, the selectors have also named 11 reserve players who will travel to train and help prepare the Test squad, while ensuring injury replacements are readily available.

"The new cricketing environment will take some getting used to," said CWI chief selector Roger Harper.

"However, being in England and working together for four weeks before the first Test will give the squad the opportunity to get acclimatised and hopefully, mentally and technically adjusted to the demands of the new environment."

Harper, himself a former Test off-spinner, added: "I think we have a squad that will be very competitive. 

#EngvWI West Indies Squad to defend Wisden Trophy in England

For more info on schedule, reserve players and bio-secure conditions, click below:http://t.co/mwjrBZSeYp#MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/TyWsC4Yw77

�?Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 3, 2020

"More than half of the squad were involved in the victorious Test series against England in the Caribbean last year so they will bring that experience, that knowledge and belief with them and marry it to the enthusiasm and vitality of the newcomers."

Going ahead with major matches is seen as vital in reducing the virus's financial impact upon cricket, with the England and Wales Cricket Board estimating it could lose £252 million ($316 million) if there are no fixtures at all this summer.

West Indies squad

Jason Holder (capt), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach

Fixtures

July 8-12: 1st Test at Ageas Bowl, Southampton

July 16-20: 2nd Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

July 24-28: 3rd Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

After seven failed attempts, Delhi made it to the playoffs last year, buoyed by their young brigade led by the charismatic Shreyas Iyer. The USP for the Delhi franchise is that their squad is filled with young Indian players. Building a good core team around the Indian youngsters seemed mission impossible until Delhi, after innumerable tries at the auction, got it right. They even thumped Hyderabad in the play-offs to finish third in Indian T20 League 2019. What will 2020 hold for them? They did make some interesting squad additions. Will it work to their advantage or are they left with too many options?

Full Squad: Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Jason Roy, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kagiso Rabada, Keemo Paul, Mohit Sharma, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, R Ashwin, Marcus Stoinis, Chris Woakes, Rishabh Pant, Alex Carey, Shimron Hetmyer, Tushar Deshpande

Read | Hyderabad Probable Playing XI

Probable XI

Delhi have a good core squad built around the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan and now Ravichandran Ashwin. All of them are certain starters in the playing XI. That they have five Indian certainties in the starting XI is a huge bonus for Delhi as they can fiddle around with their overseas players.

Who are the overseas picks?

With a lot of the batting slots filled by Indian players, there might not be room for Jason Roy or even the dynamic Alex Carey. Marcus Stoinis and Shimron Hetmyer offer much and will likely be sure-shot starters in the playing XI.

The bowling attack will need some overseas boost and in Kagiso Rabada, Sandeep Lamichhane and Keemo Paul, they have options in plenty. All of them may not figure together obviously, but two of the three are likely to be there through the season.

Rabada and Lamichhane - who complements Ashwin's off-spin - are likely starters although on quicker wickets, they might look to play Keemo Paul alongside Rabada and use Amit Mishra for Lamichhane.

Read |Chennai probable playing XI

The questions

Delhi have perhaps overstocked in the trading window and auction and are left with far too many options at the top.

• Will Ajinkya Rahane play? Where will he bat?
• Can Marcus Stoinis be used at the top like in the Big Bash?
• Can Jason Roy be squeezed into the XI?
• With Ashwin and one of Lamichhane/Mishra starting, will Axar Patel play?

These questions could hold the key for Delhi this season. It's hard to see Rahane or Roy squeeze into the XI while Stoinis at the top also seems unlikely given that Dhawan and Shaw don't bat elsewhere. Axar should start given his all-round prowess and can be a good containing option.

Probable XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, Shimron Hetmyer, Rishabh Pant, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel, Sandeep Lamichhane

Feature image courtesy: AFP / NOAH SEELAM

India and Pakistan are on the field this week although they aren't playing each other but different teams in different formats in different countries. West Indies, having pulled off a win in the first game, can topple the hosts while Sri Lanka and Pakistan have weather and pitches to counter. Here we take a look at the few bankable players this week for the Nostragamus fantasy managers to pick with conviction.

Virat Kohli 

Country: India 

Match/Series: West Indies vs India ODIs 

If anything fires up Virat Kohli, it is a challenge and a situation which calls for him to step up. 0-1 down in the series, Kohli will be India's go-to man in the remaining two ODIs of the series. West Indies have bad news, though, as Kohli's average shoots up from 57.12 in the first ODI of a series to 62.93 and 69.44 in the second and third ODIs. Against the Windies, he averages a whopping 74.13 in ODIs with nine hundreds and 10 half-centuries.

Read | Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli are now joint leading run-scorers in T20Is

Shimron Hetmyer 

Country: West Indies 

Match/Series: West Indies vs India ODIs 

After a rip-roaring hundred in the first ODI in challenging conditions at Chepauk in Chennai, Hetmyer has become hot property and rightly so. Highly talented, the southpaw is a good player of pace and spin and can milk the opposition with ease on his day. Of late, he has enjoyed several such days too. Against India, Hetmyer averages 51 with two hundreds and a half-century in his kitty.

Shimron Hetmyer vs each bowler:

▪️ 40 off 27 against Jadeja
▪️ 28 off 18 against Dube
▪️ 24 off 15 against Shami
▪️ 23 off 22 against Kuldeep
▪️ 14 off 20 against Chahar
▪️ 10 off 4 against Kedar

Total: 139 runs off 106 deliveries
11 Fours & 7 sixes
Strike rate: 131.13 pic.twitter.com/OH6SuoF61F

�?CRiiiCKET Stats (@CRiiiCKETstats) December 16, 2019

Read | Why Shikhar Dhawan is surplus to India's T20 requirements

Nicholas Pooran 

Country: West Indies 

Match/Series: West Indies vs India ODIs 

Pooran's abilities often remain obscured by the bigger players in the side. However, often in moments of strife the West Indian has helped the side finish off with composure and flair. Pooran's ODI record isn't as impressive as his T20I record. That said, he still averages 47 in 17 ODIs with a hundred. When chasing, this average shoots up to above 50.

Abid Ali 

Country: Pakistan 

Match/Series: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Tests

Abid Ali hit the record books when he became the first batsman to score a century on Test and ODI debut. The 32-year old right-handed opener isn't everyone's go-to player in a fantasy team, but he sure knows to grab his chances as has been evident from his short career thus far. In him, the Nostragamus fantasy managers have a unique pick that not many others would go for.

Abid Ali became the 106th player to score 100 on Test debut with his 109* v Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi on Sunday after Charles Bannerman (165*) for Australia v England at Melbourne on 15 March 1877#PakvSL pic.twitter.com/Qd7MEWByT7

�?Arthur_S (@allanholloway) December 16, 2019

Read | Indian T20 League auctions: When and where to watch

Dhananjaya de Silva 

Country: Sri Lanka 

Match/Series: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Tests 

The Sri Lankan all-rounder is having one hell of a year in Test cricket. After promising returns in South Africa, he scored a century against New Zealand at home and hit another in the first Test against Pakistan. Meanwhile, his bowling average has also come down with him averaging less than 30 this year with 9 wickets in seven matches. He is a trustable player in the middle-order from the Sri Lankan ranks.

Feature image courtesy: AFP/ Arun Sankar