Cricket Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-06-16

Welcome back to the SportsPulse.com weekly fantasy picks, your ultimate guide for dominating DraftKings and FanDuel cricket contests! The recent England-West Indies clash, seeing England post a massive total and a dominant victory, highlighted some incredible individual performances and shifting team dynamics. Let's dive into who you need to START, SIT, and target for value this week.

Top 3 Players to START This Week

1. Jos Buttler (England): Buttler is in sensational form and is simply untouchable right now. His recent explosive hitting at the top of the order against West Indies showcased his ability to decimate bowling attacks and accumulate massive fantasy points. He blends boundary-hitting with consistent scoring, making him a cornerstone of any fantasy lineup. Expect another captaincy-worthy performance. 2. Phil Salt (England): Riding high on England's recent success, Phil Salt has cemented his spot as an aggressive, high-scoring opener. He perfectly complements Buttler, often getting England off to a flyer in the powerplay. His recent innings have demonstrated his capacity to convert starts into significant scores, making him a high-upside pick who will capitalize on any momentum. 3. Adil Rashid (England): While batsmen often steal the limelight, Adil Rashid's consistent wicket-taking ability makes him a must-start. He's been economical and lethal in the middle overs, breaking partnerships and stifling opposition scoring. Against any lineup, Rashid offers a high floor of fantasy points through wickets and often picks up crucial bonus points for economy.

Top 2 Players to SIT/BENCH This Week

1. Nicholas Pooran (West Indies): Despite his immense talent, Nicholas Pooran's recent form has been inconsistent, especially when facing top-tier bowling attacks. His high salary demands a significant return, which hasn't always materialized. There are safer, more predictable options available at his price point who offer a better fantasy outlook this week. 2. Jason Holder (West Indies): Jason Holder, while a valuable all-rounder, has seen his fantasy output fluctuate. His bowling hasn't always been among the wickets recently, and his batting position often means he might not get enough overs to make a game-changing impact. His role can be somewhat undefined, making