The Vijay Hazare Trophy brings us a high voltage clash between two heavyweights of domestic cricket as Delhi takes on Haryana. Both teams have been in spectacular form, with their batters scoring runs for fun. Set at the iconic M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, this match promises fireworks. Whether you are playing in Mega Leagues or small contests, understanding the unique behavior of this pitch is crucial for your fantasy success.
Match Details
- Match: Delhi vs Haryana (DEL vs HAR)
- Series: Vijay Hazare Trophy
- Date: 08 Jan 2026
- Time: 09:00 AM IST
- Venue: M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Pitch Report: A Pacer's Paradise?
The M.Chinnaswamy Stadium is historically known as a batting graveyard for bowlers due to its small boundaries. However, the recent stats tell a very specific story that you must use in your strategy.
- Average Score: 239 runs (Last 5 matches)
- Pace Dominance: Pacers have taken a massive 63 wickets in the last 5 games.
- Spin Struggle: Spinners have only managed 13 wickets in the same period.
Fantasy Strategy: The data is screaming at us. Load your fantasy teams with fast bowlers (especially those who bowl at the death) and top order batters. Spinners might struggle to find value here unless they are exceptional wicket takers.
Weather Forecast
Bengaluru in January offers perfect cricketing conditions. Expect a pleasant morning with temperatures around 18°C, rising to 27°C by the afternoon. The humidity will be moderate, and there is no chance of rain. A slight breeze might help the pacers early on with the new ball.
Probable Playing XI
Note: Lineups are subject to toss updates. Always check the official team sheet before the deadline.
Delhi (DEL): Rishabh Pant (wk), Priyansh Arya, Sarthak Ranjan, Ayush Badoni, Nitish Rana, Tejasvi Dahiya, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Harsh Tyagi, Simarjeet Singh.
Haryana (HAR): Mayank Shandilya, Ankit Kumar, Himanshu Rana, Yashvardhan Dalal, Parth Vats, Rahul Tewatia, Samant Jakhar, Anshul Kamboj, Anuj Thakral, Amit Rana, Sumit Kumar.
Key Players to Watch
1. Parth Vats (HAR) Parth is currently the MVP of the series for Haryana. With 394 runs and 5 wickets, he is a dual threat asset. His recent knock of 157 runs proves he can dismantle any bowling attack. He is a prime Captaincy candidate.
2. Rishabh Pant (DEL) The dynamic wicketkeeper batter is averaging 85.6 fantasy points in this series. With 190 runs under his belt, he loves the ball coming onto the bat, which is exactly what Chinnaswamy offers.
3. Anshul Kamboj (HAR) With the pitch favoring pacers, Kamboj is a must have. He has taken 14 wickets in the series and consistently picks up wickets in clusters. His death bowling skills make him essential for your fantasy contests.
4. Priyansh Arya (DEL) Arya has been consistent at the top, scoring 232 runs in the series. His recent scores of 80 and 72 show he is in prime touch and can provide a solid foundation for your team.
5. Harshit Rana (DEL) A fast bowler who hits the deck hard is perfect for these conditions. He picked up 4 wickets in a recent game at this venue and can exploit the bounce on offer.
Captain & Vice Captain Choices
- Safe Picks: Parth Vats, Rishabh Pant
- Differential Picks: Anshul Kamboj, Priyansh Arya
- Risky High Reward: Himanshu Rana (368 runs in series but can be hit or-miss)
Winning Strategy for AI11 Users
- Ignore the Spin Bias: Usually, we look for spinners in Indian conditions, but not today. A 4-pacer attack in your fantasy team is a viable strategy.
- Top Heavy Batting: Since the boundaries are small, top order batters get the best usage of the powerplay. Avoid middle order batters who might not get enough balls unless there is a collapse.
- Chasing Advantage: Historically, chasing is easier here. If a team wins the toss and bowls, their openers become even more valuable.
Use your skills to analyze the toss and finalize your combination. Good luck with your contests!