Pankaj, an Accountant from Delhi, has won over ₹25 lakhs playing fantasy sports on HalaPlay. Though it was his passion for cricket that motivated him to play fantasy sports, Pankaj’s knowledge of the game and the countless hours of hard work have played a big part in his success.
In a chat with us, he reveals his fantasy cricket strategies, finding a balance between professional life and playing fantasy sports, and why a long-term approach is necessary while playing Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
Picking 11 players from 22 is not easy. What factors do you consider in the team selection?
I select bowlers who are likely to get their full quota of ten or four overs, while the batsmen should have a good record, and I usually pick an opener or a top-order player. Also, I don’t depend on all-rounders.
Does research play a huge role in deciding your playing 11?
I make the team with my knowledge of the player and his/her recent performances. I also believe in my gut feeling while picking players. For me, it is a crucial factor, and sometimes I go with my gut feeling.
Who is your ideal playing 11 Captain?
In T20 matches, I pick one of the opening batsmen, while in ODIs and Test cricket, it depends on the recent performances.
Do you make changes in the team after Toss?
Toss is crucial while making the playing 11, and I select my team after the toss. If the team winning the toss has a great bowling attack, I would include the best bowlers in my team. And it’s the same for batsmen too.
Do you change your playing 11 strategy according to the format?
Yes! There are different strategies for different formats. It is easier to create a team for a Test match than T20.
You’ve have been playing for over a year on HalaPlay. How did your journey start?
I am a big cricket fan and, I follow everything related to it. I was happy when fantasy sports was launched in India as I could use my cricket knowledge to earn money.
I searched for top fantasy sports apps and came across HalaPlay. I compared it with other fantasy sports platforms, and HalaPlay charged the least platform fees. I immediately started playing on the platform, and now my friends and family, too, play fantasy sports on HalaPlay.
What do you wish to do with the winnings from HalaPlay?
I wish to buy a house with my HalaPlay winnings. I hope to buy it soon.
Which was the most memorable day or a match you have played on HalaPlay?
I think it’s too soon to say. I believe that my best days are yet to come.
How do you find motivation when you lose a few matches?
DFS is a long-term thing for me, and fantasy sports players should look at it with a long-term perspective. I don’t get de-motivated if I lose a match. What matters is how much money I have won in a year.
Do you come up against your family and friends on HalaPlay?
A few of my family members and friends play fantasy sports on HalaPlay. But I prefer to play against random fantasy sports players.
Is it easy to strike a balance between your professional-personal life and playing fantasy sports?
In the early days, it was difficult to manage everything as I had my job and spent time with family. But now, I just check the scores and make my team in 10 minutes. Also, I would love to watch the matches live.
Do you have anything to say to new DFS players?
I would urge them to stick to a strategy while making their team. And, as I have said earlier, look DFS with a long-term perspective than playing once in a while and hoping to get lucky.
Best wishes, Pankaj, and keep playing on HalaPlay.