Everyone loves to become a champion. But what it takes to become one? Successful fantasy sports players say it’s the countless hours of hard work and unwavering persistence that separates them from the rest. What other qualities should a champion possess? Gaurav S, an avid cricket fan & a long-time Fantasy Cricket player, shares little insight on developing a winning habit in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
Tell us a little bit about yourself – where you grew up, and what else you do apart from playing DFS?
My name is Gaurav S, better known as Shivganga on HalaPlay, and, I am a dentist based in Mumbai. I have spent my entire childhood in Mumbai and currently run a clinic here.
When did you start playing on HalaPlay? And how did you come to know about it?
I have been playing DFS since 2011 when there were only a few players. And my HalaPlay journey started from IPL 2018 after I came to know about it from one of the blogs I follow.
Tell us about your journey so far – the difficulties and success you had playing DFS at HalaPlay?
Initially, I didn’t play much. But, slowly, the ease of website navigation and the different types of leagues hooked me to the platform. It was difficult early on, but when I understood the scoring criteria and the league structures, I started winning. Also, patience and good knowledge about the game helped too.
What kind of research goes behind while choosing players? Do you have a set of criteria?
Nowadays, most of the players do research, but many blindly copy teams. The first thing I do is check the team’s injury list and find out which players are unlikely to feature in the playing 11. Then, I look at in-form players and their batting position in the team line-up. Also, the selection of bowlers depends on the stage of the game they are brought on to bowl.
What is your strategy while picking a captain for your team?
As there is no vice-captain, the burden is on the captain to score maximum points. Usually, my captaincy pick is an all-rounder who bats up the order and bowls maximum overs. Otherwise, a wicketkeeper who opens the batting, or a world-class batsman or I will pick a strike bowler, if the opponent is weak.
Which was your best day on HalaPlay, and what do you remember about it?
I usually play H2H leagues on the platform. But with an investment of ₹999 with two teams in a league of 125 players, I won ₹20,000. Also, there were days I have won handsomely.
Our players have purchased cars, cameras, and phones with the money they have won. If you don’t mind, can you share what you did with the earnings from HalaPlay?
I am using the winnings to pay back those people who helped me during my sister’s marriage.
Can you name some of your favourite Leagues on HalaPlay?
My favourite leagues were the ₹999 league with 125 players and the ₹3999 league with 24 players. But these leagues are no longer hosted on the platform, and I hope HalaPlay will bring them back.
Most of our DFS players use HalaPlay app. Can you share your experience playing on the app?
I used to play on the website, but now I moved to the app, which has now become comfortable to play. The best thing about it is the analysis where one can see the total spends and the total winnings, and in what type of leagues.
As winning DFS takes a lot of time and dedication, how do you maintain work-life balance while playing DFS?
I am a dentist, and I have my practice. But cricket is close to the heart of every Indian, and it’s no different for me. I follow it religiously, so the joy of playing DFS is a bonus.
What advice do you have for new DFS players?
DFS is not all about researching. The most important thing is to spend wisely and not going crazy if you didn’t win. Don’t invest unnecessarily just because you have lost the last match. And never take a loan thinking you will recover, whatever you have lost, in the next match.
Be patient, and remember that everyone has put their effort, and your time will come. Follow a series of steps consistently and, then, winnings will come. Play responsibly, and don’t let it burden you.
Do you want the DFS to be a long-term thing for you?
I have been playing DFS since 2011, so it’s already a long-term thing for me. I enjoy playing the beautiful game, DFS.
If you found the above article helpful and worth sharing with your friends then go ahead and do that right away so they can get some useful insights of Fantasy Cricket. If they haven’t played the game on HalaPlay, make them signup using your referral code so they can earn ₹100 bonus instantly while you get ₹50 just after they make first deposit of ₹50 or more.
