Cricket is a team game, but sometimes one player can change everything. Not all strong players are famous or expensive. Many hidden gems are waiting to be noticed. If you can find underrated cricket players, you get an edge. These players often cost fewer credits in fantasy cricket or are ignored by casual fans, but they can deliver match-winning performances.
This guide will show you how to identify such players using simple steps.
Why Look for Underrated Players?
Big stars like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma are easy picks. Everyone knows about them. But in fantasy cricket or even in team discussions, the real value lies in players who:
- Cost less but perform more.
- Go unnoticed by others.
- Have talent and hunger to prove themselves.
Picking such players gives you an advantage because others may miss them.
Step 1: Understand Low Credit Players
In fantasy cricket, every player has a credit value. Famous players have high credit. Young or less popular players are listed as low credit players.
Why they matter:
- They free up credits to pick top stars.
- They can surprise with big scores or wickets.
- They increase your chances of building a balanced team.
Always check which low credit players are in form before selecting your fantasy team.
Step 2: Look for Value Picks
A value pick means a player who gives more performance than his cost. For example, a bowler who costs less but regularly takes 2–3 wickets is a value pick.
How to identify them:
- Compare player price with recent performance.
- Check if the player has a good record in the same ground.
- Look at strike rate, economy, or consistency.
Value picks are the secret weapon of smart analysts.
Step 3: Study Domestic Performers
Many stars in cricket started by shining in local tournaments. Domestic performers often carry great form into bigger matches. They may not be known worldwide but have strong skills.
Tips to spot them:
- Follow Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, or other domestic events.
- Check who are the top run scorers and wicket takers.
- See if they perform well under pressure.
Domestic records often reveal hidden talent before the world notices.
Step 4: Track Emerging Players
Every season brings emerging players. These are youngsters who are new but full of energy. They are often underrated because they don’t have big international records yet.
How to spot them:
- Look at Under-19 tournaments.
- Check IPL or other T20 leagues for new names.
- Notice if senior players or experts praise them.
Emerging players grow fast. Getting them early in your picks gives you a clear advantage.
Step 5: Check Recent Form
Form matters more than name. Even a world-class player can struggle if out of form, while an underrated player in good form can shine.
Key things to check:
- Runs in last 5 matches.
- Wickets in last few games.
- Strike rate and consistency.
- Fielding impact (catches, run outs).
Form helps you choose reliable underrated players.
Step 6: Watch Pre-Match Analysis
Before every game, experts share insights. Use them to find underrated picks. Look for:
- Which players are in good rhythm at practice.
- Who is getting promoted in batting order.
- Which bowlers are likely to bowl in powerplay or death overs.
Pre-match analysis often reveals hidden chances that stats alone don’t show.
Step 7: Consider Pitch and Ground Records
Not every player shines everywhere. Some underrated players perform well on certain grounds.
For example:
- A spinner may do well on dry, turning pitches.
- A medium pacer may take wickets on slow tracks.
- A batsman may love batting at a small ground with short boundaries.
Check if a low credit player has a good record at the venue.
Step 8: Notice Role in the Team
Underrated players sometimes get important roles without much attention. Analysts look at:
- Batting position (opening or finishing roles matter most).
- Bowling overs (powerplay or death overs bring more chances).
- All-rounders (contribute in both batting and bowling).
If a player has more than one role, he has higher chances of scoring points.
Step 9: Watch for Injuries or Team Changes
When senior players are injured or rested, new faces step in. These replacements are often underrated but hungry to prove themselves.
Things to check:
- Who is likely to replace a star player.
- Whether the new player has good domestic stats.
- If the team management trusts him with big responsibility.
Such players can turn out to be excellent value picks.
Step 10: Learn from Past Performances
Sometimes underrated players have already delivered but people forget. Look at:
- Past IPL seasons.
- Earlier tournaments at the same venue.
- Big matches where they performed under pressure.
History often repeats itself. Players who did well before may surprise again.
Step 11: Use Stats Smartly
Numbers don’t lie. To spot an underrated player, look at:
- Batting average and strike rate.
- Bowling average and economy rate.
- Consistency over last 10 matches.
Simple stat checks often reveal more than reputation.
Step 12: Trust Your Observation
Finally, your own eyes are the best guide. When watching a game, note:
- Who looks confident even under pressure.
- Who adapts quickly to conditions.
- Who grabs chances with both bat and ball.
Sometimes instincts help you see talent before numbers show it.
Final Thoughts
To find underrated cricket players, you need to think deeper than just star names. Look for low credit players, value picks, domestic performers, and emerging players. Study form, check ground records, and watch pre-match analysis. These simple steps can help you spot hidden gems before others do.
Next time you watch a match or build your fantasy team, remember this guide. The real winners are often not the biggest names, but the smartest picks.
Frequenty Based Questions (FAQ’S)
1. How can I find underrated cricket players?
You can find underrated cricket players by checking domestic records, tracking recent form, and looking at low credit players in fantasy cricket who consistently perform.
2. What are low credit players in fantasy cricket?
Low credit players are cricketers with fewer credit points in fantasy games. They are often less popular but can deliver strong performances at low cost.
3. Why are value picks important in fantasy cricket?
Value picks give you better returns for fewer credits. These players perform well compared to their cost, helping you build a strong and balanced team.
4. How do domestic performers become underrated stars?
Domestic performers prove themselves in tournaments like Ranji Trophy or Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Many of them later shine on bigger stages, making them great early picks.
5. Who are emerging players in cricket?
Emerging players are young talents who are new to the big stage. They may not be famous yet, but they often surprise with big performances in leagues or international matches.
6. Why should I study pre-match analysis to spot underrated players?
Pre-match analysis shows batting order changes, bowling roles, and conditions. This helps you identify hidden gems who can make a big impact.
7. Can underrated players change the outcome of a match?
Yes. Many matches turn because of underrated players who deliver when stars fail. Spotting them early gives fans and fantasy players a real advantage.