Cricket Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-06-23

Welcome back, DFS fanatics! What a week it’s been in the cricketing world, capped off by England’s monstrous 371-121 demolition of West Indies in an SA20-style encounter. That kind of high-octane action gives us plenty to chew on for our DraftKings and FanDuel lineups. Let’s dive into who’s hot, who’s not, and where the real value lies.

Top 3 Players to START This Week:

1. Jos Buttler (England): Fresh off a breathtaking century against West Indies, Buttler is simply unstoppable right now. As an opener, captain, and wicketkeeper, he offers multiple avenues for fantasy points – runs, boundaries, and dismissals. His form is red-hot, making him a must-have anchor for any lineup. 2. Moeen Ali (England): The dynamic all-rounder showed his class again, not just with quickfire runs but also by snagging crucial wickets in the recent high-scoring affair. Ali’s ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball, often in pivotal moments, makes him an exceptionally high-ceiling play. Lock him in for consistent returns. 3. Adil Rashid (England): Despite the run-fest, Rashid proved his mettle by maintaining a respectable economy and picking up key wickets. His leg-spin continues to be a genuine threat, even on flat tracks where batsmen are looking to attack. He’s a proven wicket-taker who can dismantle a middle order, offering excellent fantasy value.

Top 2 Players to SIT/BENCH This Week:

1. Rovman Powell (West Indies): Powell looked out of sorts in the recent chase against England, struggling to build an innings and falling cheaply. While he has explosive potential, his current form and inconsistency make him a risky pick, especially when better options are available. Avoid him until he shows signs of a turnaround. 2. Akeal Hosein (West Indies): While typically reliable, Hosein was targeted by the English batsmen, leading to an expensive outing without significant wicket returns. In high-scoring matches, a spinner who can't pick up wickets becomes a liability. His fantasy output hinges on tight spells and breakthroughs, which haven't been consistent lately.

Two Value/Bargain Plays Under Salary Cap:

1. Harry Brook (England): Often batting lower than his talent suggests, Brook is an explosive young batsman who can accelerate an innings rapidly. If England's top order fires again, he could get a late blast of runs or even a promotion, offering significant upside for a lower salary. He’s a future star ready to break out. 2. Odean Smith (West Indies): Smith is a high-risk, high-reward pick, but after West Indies' struggles, he might be hungry to make a statement. His raw pace and powerful hitting down the order are often overlooked. He can pick up a couple of wickets or smash a quick 30, providing excellent salary relief with game-winning potential.

Reece Topley (England): Most fantasy managers will flock to the big-hitting batsmen, but Topley offers a unique advantage. As a left-arm pacer, he can exploit specific matchups, especially during the powerplay and death overs. His height and ability to swing the ball, even in high-scoring games, give him a knack for breaking partnerships. He’s often ignored for flashier names, but Topley’s multi-wicket potential makes him a high-upside differential play that could win you a GPP.

That’s it for this week, folks! May your lineups be green and your pockets be heavy. Good luck!