India have ensured that the last Test of the homes series against South Africa remains a dead rubber, but with the World Test Championship presenting context, there are no dead rubbers any more.
At Ranchi, as India take on South Africa for the third Test match, most fantasy players know their best bets but what can make you stand out? For Moneyball fantasy managers, we have a few tips and suggestions.
MAYANK AGARWAL
Country: India
Match: India vs South Africa 3rd Test
He hit a century each in the first two Tests and given the form Mayank has exhibited, it is fairly easy to pinpoint him as a potential fantasy option. That his home record has started with aplomb, aside from the fact that South Africa will also be missing Keshav Maharaj, is more reason to back a top-order batsman like Mayank.
RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN
Country: India
Match: India vs South Africa 3rd Test
Even with the Indian pacers stealing the limelight at Pune, Ashwin remains the most potent Indian weapon in home Tests. With the Ranchi surface expected to be dry, we could be in for another show from Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Given the sheer number of right-handers in South Africa's top-order, Ashwin, more than Jadeja, is probably a bigger threat.
FAF DU PLESSIS
Country: South Africa
Match: India vs South Africa 3rd Test
The South African skipper has had a mixed tour so far. He was counter-attacking in the first innings at Pune and in the second, with the Test match on the line, Du Plessis became more conservative. What has remained constant is a hunger for runs and even if he seems to have a weakness against Ashwin who has dismissed him thrice this series, du Plessis is a good player to bank upon.
UMESH YADAV
Country: India
Match: India vs South Africa 3rd Test
Every fantasy team needs a differential and if you are looking for one at Ranchi, we'd ask you to punt on Umesh Yadav. A substitute until the Pune Test, Umesh exhibited exemplary control to eke out key wickets at Pune. Since 2017, no Indian fast bowler has had more wickets in India in Tests than Umesh Yadav. Now, that's a stat not often talked about. It's also the primary reason to pick him in your fantasy team.
KAGISO RABADA
Country: South Africa
Match: India vs South Africa 3rd Test
Kagiso Rabada sure knows a thing or two about thwarting adversities and picking up match-winning hauls out of the blue. With his team down and out and sorely on the search of inspiration, Rabada will be a key figure in South Africa's plans. The fast bowler is a dangerous guy when cornered and at Ranchi, we can all expect a mighty backlash from one of the top seamers in Test cricket.
Now that you have read our suggestions, get your team selections rolling right away!
Featured image courtesy: AFP / Punit Paranjpe
