Fantasy Cricket for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
New to fantasy cricket? This step-by-step beginner’s guide takes you from never having played to confidently building your first team — what fantasy cricket is, exactly how to pick a squad, how points work, and the simple habits that help you improve. When you’re ready for sharper tactics, move on to our 12 fantasy cricket tips and the full fantasy cricket guide.
Fantasy cricket is a game of skill for users aged 18+. Play for fun and within limits — see our responsible-gaming guide.
What is fantasy cricket?
Fantasy cricket lets you create a virtual team of real cricketers for an actual match. You don’t bet on who wins — instead, your team earns points based on how the real players you selected perform: runs, wickets, catches and more. The better your selections, the more points you score, which is why it’s a game of skill, not chance. You’re effectively the team selector, using your cricket knowledge to out-pick everyone else.
How to build your first team (step by step)
- 1
Pick a match
Choose an upcoming fixture you know something about — your favourite team’s game is a great start.
- 2
Select 11 players
Choose a mix of batters, bowlers, all-rounders and a wicket-keeper from both teams, staying within your credit budget.
- 3
Pick captain & vice-captain
Your captain scores 2× points and vice-captain 1.5×, so choose two players you expect to do well.
- 4
Join a contest
Start with a free practice contest, lock your team before the deadline, and watch your points add up live.
Understanding credits and roles
You get a fixed budget — usually 100 credits — to “buy” your 11 players. Star players cost more, so you can’t pick all of them; the skill is in balancing premium picks with good-value cheaper ones. A simple, safe structure for a first team:
| Role | How many | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Batters | 3–4 | Top-order batters face the most balls and score steadily. |
| Bowlers | 3–4 | Wickets are worth a lot of points. |
| All-rounders | 1–2 | They score with bat and ball — great value. |
| Wicket-keeper | 1 | A keeper who also bats adds extra points. |
You can pick a maximum of seven players from any one team, so you’ll always have players from both sides.
A sample first team (template)
If you’re still unsure how to fill your XI, this balanced template works for most T20 matches and keeps you inside the 100-credit budget. Treat it as a starting point, then adjust for form and conditions:
| Slot | Pick type | Rough credits |
|---|---|---|
| Wicket-keeper ×1 | A keeper who also bats high in the order | 8–9 |
| Batters ×3 | Two top-order anchors plus one value pick | 26–30 |
| All-rounders ×2 | One premium, one economy option | 18–20 |
| Bowlers ×4 | Two genuine wicket-takers plus two economical bowlers | 30–34 |
| Captain & vice-captain | Chosen from your two most consistent picks | — |
Spend big on one or two match-winners, then fill the rest with reliable, in-form value players. Avoid leaving credits unused — a balanced XI almost always beats a top-heavy one.
How points work (the basics)
In simple terms: batters score for runs (with bonuses for boundaries, sixes and milestones), bowlers score big for wickets and maiden overs, and everyone can earn fielding points for catches, stumpings and run-outs. Your captain’s points are doubled and the vice-captain’s multiplied by 1.5. For the full breakdown by format, see our fantasy cricket points system guide.
Beginner do’s and don’ts
- Do start with free practice contests to learn how points add up.
- Do check the playing XI and pitch report before the deadline.
- Do pick in-form players over big names who are struggling.
- Don’t captain a player just because they’re famous — choose a consistent performer.
- Don’t stack your whole team from one side.
- Don’t treat it as income — set a budget and keep it fun.
Common beginner mistakes (and the fix)
Most new players lose points in the same handful of ways. Knowing them in advance is the quickest shortcut to a better score:
| Mistake | Why it hurts | The fix |
|---|---|---|
| Picking before the toss | The playing XI and conditions aren’t confirmed yet | Edit your team after the toss, before the deadline |
| Captaining a big name in poor form | The 2× multiplier amplifies a bad game | Captain a consistent recent performer instead |
| Stacking one team | If that side flops, your whole XI flops with it | Spread your picks across both teams |
| Ignoring conditions | A spin or pace pitch changes who actually scores | Read the pitch report before you lock |
| Chasing losses with bigger contests | Turns a skill game into a money risk | Set a budget and stay with free or practice contests |
How to get better over time
The fastest way to improve is to play, then review. After each match, look at which picks scored and why — did the pitch favour spin? Did your captain deliver? Over a few matches you’ll start to spot patterns in form, conditions and roles, and your selections will sharpen naturally. That steady learning is exactly what makes fantasy cricket a skill.
Build your first team free
Create your Lotus365 ID and try a no-risk practice contest.
Keep learning
New to the lingo? See the fantasy cricket glossary. Level up with our 12 fantasy cricket tips, learn scoring in the points system guide, master the armband with captain picks, or read the full fantasy cricket guide. Prefer football? Try fantasy football. Create your Lotus365 ID to begin.
FAQs
What is fantasy cricket in simple terms?
You pick a virtual team of real players for a match and score points based on how they actually perform — it’s about selection skill, not betting on a result.
How do I make my first fantasy cricket team?
Pick a match, select 11 players within your credit budget, choose a captain and vice-captain, and join a free practice contest.
How many credits do I get?
Usually 100 credits, which you spend across your XI — balancing premium and value picks.
Do I need to know a lot about cricket?
Basic knowledge helps, and you’ll learn fast. Start with matches and teams you already follow.
Can beginners win at fantasy cricket?
Yes. Begin with free contests, follow the do’s and don’ts, and improve your picks over time.
What is a good team structure for a first fantasy cricket team?
A safe template is 1 wicket-keeper, 3–4 batters, 1–2 all-rounders and 3–4 bowlers, with your captain and vice-captain chosen from your two most consistent picks.
When should I pick my fantasy cricket team?
Build it early, then finalise after the toss and once the playing XI is confirmed — but always before the contest deadline.
Is fantasy cricket safe and legal?
It’s a recognised game of skill for users 18+, permitted in most Indian states. Check your local rules and play responsibly.
