![Andre Russell and Mark Adair are among the top choices for Dream11 fantasy teams [Source: @ILT20official/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1737209530937_GG_Captain_Fantasy.jpg?type=mq)
Andre Russell and Mark Adair are among the top choices for Dream11 fantasy teams [Source: @ILT20official/X.com]
The Gulf Giants are all set to take on the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for the first time this season in the ILT20, and it's staged at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The match is scheduled for January 19, and will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.
The Gulf Giants are still searching for their first win this season, having faced a couple of tough losses right out of the gate. Their batting lineup has struggled to turn good starts into big scores, so they'll be looking to bounce back and change their luck against the Knight Riders. The bowling unit also needs to tighten up to keep the opponents in check. Facing off against a Knight Riders team that can be a bit unpredictable, the Giants are eager to grab that first victory.
On the other side, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders come into this match with mixed results. They managed to snag a win in their latest game after starting with a loss. With a nice blend of experienced players and standout newcomers, the Knight Riders are hoping to build on their recent momentum and climb up the points table. Their bowlers have shown some promise, but they’ll really need their top-order batters to set a solid foundation against the Gulf Giants.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium - Pitch Report For Match 12 Of ILT20 2025
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for offering a fair match-up. Fast bowlers can take advantage of some early seam movement, but as the game goes on, the pitch usually becomes more batter-friendly. Spinners have had a tough time making their mark here. Notably, in most of the games, the teams chasing have come out on top. So, it’s likely that the captain who wins the toss will choose to bowl first, aiming to make the most of that early movement and keep the other team’s score within reach.
Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices For GG vs ADKR
3) Andre Russell
Why Andre Russell Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Explosive Hitter In The Middle Order: Andre Russell is one of the most destructive middle-order batters in the cricketing world. With his impressive strike rates across formats, particularly in T20s (165.25) and IPL (174.93), Russell has the ability to turn games around in a matter of overs. His 11 IPL fifties and a high score of 88 highlight his consistency and match-winning prowess. Whether chasing a target or setting one, his fearless approach makes him an asset as a captain in fantasy teams.
Key Wicket-Taker With Vast Experience: Apart from his batting exploits, Russell is an impactful bowler, often delivering breakthroughs at crucial moments. With 115 wickets in 126 IPL matches at an average of 23.01, he has proven his mettle in the league. His best figures of 5/15 in IPL underline his capability of delivering exceptional spells. Russell’s contribution with both bat and ball, therefore, ensures consistent fantasy points, making him an ideal candidate for captain or vice-captain in fantasy cricket teams.
2) Mark Adair
Why Mark Adair Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
In-Form Bowler: Mark Adair has been delivering impressive performances with the ball, solidifying his reputation as a dependable bowler in T20 cricket. His recent outings highlight his consistency and ability to strike at crucial moments. Against the Dubai Capitals, Adair gave away just 10 runs in his spell, while his 2/12 against the Desert Vipers showcased his ability to restrict scoring. Additionally, his 2/23 against the Sharjah Warriorz underlined his knack for picking key wickets, making him a valuable asset in fantasy teams.
Credible T20 Experience: Adair’s extensive T20I experience adds significant value to his fantasy potential. Having played 88 matches and taken 127 wickets at an economy of 7.70, his record speaks for itself. With a bowling average of 19.19 and a best of 4/13, Adair has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations. His ability to maintain a steady strike rate of 14.94 across formats further emphasizes his reliability, making him an excellent choice for the captain or vice-captain role in fantasy cricket teams.
1) Jason Holder
Why Jason Holder Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Lethal Bowler: Jason Holder has been in exceptional form with the ball, making him a reliable wicket-taker in fantasy cricket. His recent performances speak volumes about his ability to deliver under pressure. In the match against Desert Vipers, Holder showcased his skill with figures of 2/24, while his spell of 4/23 against Sharjah Warriorz was a game-changing performance. His knack for striking at crucial moments and maintaining tight economies ensures significant fantasy points, making him a valuable addition to a fantasy team.
All-round Ability With The Bat: Holder’s contributions with the bat add another dimension to his fantasy potential. His recent batting form highlights his capability to score quick runs in the lower order, as seen in his blazing 27 off 9 balls against the Desert Vipers. Hence, Holder’s dual ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an excellent choice for the captain or vice-captain role in fantasy cricket teams.
 "Soumyajit Dutta")
