Guides & Strategy

1. Fit beats raw rating

The single biggest mistake is drafting the highest OVR available every time. A 98-rated death bowler is worthless opening the batting. Each slot multiplies a player's rating by a position-fit factor — pick players who actually suit the role and your team rating climbs fast, even with slightly lower names.

2. Respect the team balance

The simulator penalises lop-sided sides: no wicketkeeper, fewer than three frontline bowlers, or too few specialist batters all cost you. Whatever template you choose, make sure you come away with a keeper, a top order, and enough bowling to take twenty wickets.

3. Use your re-spins wisely

You only get two re-spins a game. Don't burn them early on a squad that's “a bit meh” — save them for when you land on a weak franchise-season and still have a key slot (your keeper, your third seamer) to fill.

4. Know the golden squads

Some franchise-seasons are loaded. CSK and MI in their dynasty years, the 2016 Sunrisers attack, the 2024–2026 batting line-ups — landing on one of these is a chance to grab an elite player who also fits an open slot. Learn which eras are deep in which roles.

5. Don't forget the all-rounders

All-rounders fit a wide range of slots and rarely tank your fit score. A great all-rounder in the middle order or at the death is often worth more to your overall rating than a one-dimensional superstar in the wrong position.

6. Expert mode is the real test

Once you've learned the ropes in Classic, switch to Expert: no stats, no ratings, just names. It's the truest test of your IPL knowledge — and a far better brag when you build The Immortals blind.

New here? Start with How to Play. For inspiration, read about the greatest IPL teams of all time and the lessons each one teaches.