Cricket Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-05-21

Welcome back, SportsPulse army! The T20 circuit continues to deliver high-octane action, with recent games showcasing both explosive batting and crucial wicket-taking performances. We're seeing teams rack up serious totals, much like England’s dominant 371-121 victory (likely reflecting a series of powerful T20 performances in the SA20 context) over West Indies, so picking players who can capitalize on these conditions is key. Let's dive into this week's top DraftKings and FanDuel picks to keep your lineups loaded.

Top 3 Players to START This Week

1. Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals): Buttler is in blistering form, a cornerstone of any successful T20 lineup. His recent scores include 89 off 47 and a quickfire 62 off 30 balls, consistently providing explosive starts. Facing a bowling attack that has leaked runs in the powerplay, Buttler is poised for another massive haul. His ability to hit boundaries at will makes him a points magnet. 2. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans): The Afghan maestro is simply unplayable at times. Despite a couple of quieter games, his last two outings saw him bag 3/22 and 2/27, proving his wicket-taking prowess. Against teams that struggle against leg-spin in the middle overs, Rashid's economy combined with his knack for breaking partnerships makes him a must-start. He also chipped in a crucial 15 in one of those games, adding bonus points. 3. Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders): While often a high-risk, high-reward pick, Russell’s recent form is undeniable. He smashed 54 off 24 balls and followed it up with 2/30 and 34 runs in his last two games. When he fires, he covers both batting and bowling departments with elite fantasy points. His raw power makes him a crucial pick, especially on smaller grounds.

1. Daryl Mitchell (Chennai Super Kings): Mitchell has been inconsistent lately, with scores of 13, 28, and 19 in his last three matches. While capable, his high salary for his current output makes him a risky proposition. There are better value options available who are delivering more consistently, especially against a strong bowling unit he’s slated to face. 2. Mohammad Siraj (Royal Challengers Bangalore): Siraj's form has dipped, conceding over 40 runs in his last two games without a single wicket. His economy has been poor, and he’s not picking up crucial early wickets. Given his premium price point, it's tough to justify him in your XI when other pacers are in better rhythm and offering more value.

1. Rachin Ravindra (Chennai Super Kings): Ravindra offers explosive potential at the top of the order for a surprisingly low salary. After a couple of quiet games, he hit a rapid 37 off 20 balls last week, showing signs of returning to form. He’s a high-upside pick who can free up significant cap space. 2. Shardul Thakur (Delhi Capitals):