IPL Fantasy 2017: Rules, Tips and Top Players to Target

The 2017 edition of the Indian Premier League is tantalisingly close, and for those who tune in religiously for the thrilling matches on offer, a fantasy team is a superb accompaniment.

The organisers of this enthralling competition keep their cards pretty close to their chest when it comes to their player pricing and rulings, with the details not announced until a few days before the competition's big curtain-raiser on April 5.

It means players don't have too much time to forensically study the options to include in their squad and how the respective batting and bowling stars can accumulate points. With that in mind, here's a look at last year's regulations along with some extra focus on a couple of players who need to be included in your XI.

Rules

Batsmen: Four or five.

All-Rounders: At least one.

Wicketkeeper: Exactly one (you can pick variable-role wicketkeepers as batsmen).

Bowlers: At least two.

Overseas Limit: You can pick a maximum of four overseas players in your squad.

Uncapped Quota: Your squad must have at least one uncapped player. An uncapped player is an Indian cricketer who has not played in any ODIs, Tests or T20 Internationals.

Franchise Spread: You can pick a maximum of six players from a single IPL Team.

Deadline: TBC.

Full rules on the official IPL website.

AB De Villiers, Royal Challengers Bangalore

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In any variation of fantasy game, sometimes it's imperative to spend big to secure the competition's standout players. AB De Villiers is a man who belongs in that particular bracket.

Although Bangalore's star performer last season was undoubtedly Virat Kohli, De Villiers has been one of the most dangerous players in IPL for many years. His shot-making is so varied and his composure on the big stage is phenomenal.

Additionally, there's a chance that he may be captaining the side in the opening weeks of the season. Per cricket journalist Freddie Wilde, head coach Daniel Vettori has cast doubts over Kohli's early involvement:

That makes De Villiers the smarter investment of these two juggernauts of limited-overs cricket. Not only is the South Africa international a player who'll relish the chance to lead out RCB, Kohli's absence means he may be bumped up the batting order, too.

With time to bat, De Villiers can be a devastating presence in a relatively short time at the crease. This unbeaten innings from 2015 of 133 in 59 balls was almost beyond belief:

While he assumed the role of a finisher to great effect last season, the 33-year-old has so much more to offer the Royal Challengers when drafted in earlier. Kohli's absence should allow him to do so, making the South African a must-have in this year's competition.

Ben Stokes, Rising Pune Supergiant

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The Rising Pune Supergiant made Ben Stokes the most expensive overseas player in the history of IPL in February's player auction, with the England all-rounder earning a cool £1.7 million for his services.

Based on the potential influence he can have in this format of the game, perhaps that's no surprise. After all, Stokes can be a devastating player over a short period, with his brutal hitting, variety in bowling and incredible work in the field.

As noted by The Cricket Prof. earlier in the year, Stokes was the most expensive purchase by a long way in the 2017 player auctions:

Stokes' limited-overs captain with England, Eoin Morgan, has backed him to make a massive impression, too. 

"The beauty of India is once you start performing, they give you credit for what you're doing," said Morgan, who will play for Kings XI Punjab this year in the IPL, per Louis Sealey of Metro. "If Ben goes out and does what Ben does, I think he'll be a massive global superstar and go on to a ­completely new level, which is very exciting for him."

The 25-year-old may take a little bit of time to adapt to the nature of the competition, as this will be his debut term in IPL. But once he settles in and strikes up an affinity with his team-mates, expect him to inspire Rising Pune to some key victories.