iWorld
Mastering fantasy cricket: Crucial things to keep in mind while making your team
Mumbai: Fantasy cricket has swiftly emerged as a global phenomenon, capturing the attention of enthusiasts worldwide, particularly in India. It offers an engaging online platform where cricket enthusiasts can test their knowledge and analysis of the game against millions. Team selection is the most important aspect of fantasy cricket. Creating a unique team within the set criteria and time period, with the players you think can perform will lead you towards success on any platform.
Why is fantasy cricket so popular? It enables crores of cricket fans and followers to be a part of the game and also win exciting rewards. Users get to strategize and choose players based on their knowledge, pitch conditions, weather reports, win predictions, history and more. This is a step up from just watching the match in the stadium or at home. There is a value-add from an engagement point of view.
Cricket analysis and prediction platforms like Cricket.com and ESPN Cricinfo among others, offer comprehensive player statistics, match insights, expert analyses, AI-driven predictions, etc. to followers. Some of these platforms also offer an option to make a fantasy cricket team using AI and test the same in original fantasy cricket formats. These platforms are invaluable resources for enthusiasts to stay updated with the latest developments, helping them make informed decisions and level up their fantasy cricket performance. Here are a few tips and tricks to boost your fantasy cricket game –
Assessing the gameplay
An essential step is evaluating the recent performance of players. It’s vital to gauge whether a player has maintained good form in recent games rather than relying solely on past achievements. The focus should be on current performance rather than only on a player’s career statistics. The team has to be a mix of batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders, as they are more likely to score consistently. Further, the selection of the captain and vice-captain holds paramount importance, as they play pivotal roles in determining your team’s success. Their points are often doubled, making their contributions significantly impactful. shrewd decisions regarding the captain and vice-captain can substantially influence the outcome of a fantasy cricket match.
An important aspect often missed by many fantasy cricket enthusiasts is the analysis of weather conditions and pitch reports. For instance, prioritizing spinners over swing bowlers during an afternoon game is advisable on a slow and dry pitch. Conversely, adjusting your team composition accordingly is essential in venues like Wankhede Stadium with its conducive conditions for power hitters and swing bowlers.
Leveraging analytics and original formats
Game analysis plays a crucial role in the success of cricket fantasy enthusiasts, providing them with valuable insights to make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge. Platforms like Cricket.com offer a range of analytical tools and features to assist players in crafting winning strategies. Through comprehensive player statistics, match previews, and expert opinions, enthusiasts can delve deep into the intricacies of the game and identify key factors influencing player performance. Additionally, Cricket.com enables users to leverage artificial intelligence algorithms to optimize their fantasy teams, ensuring they are well-positioned for success. Platforms such as ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and Dream11 provide similar functionalities. By utilizing these resources effectively, players can enhance their understanding of the game, make informed decisions, and maximize their chances of success in fantasy cricket leagues and contests.
Furthermore, enthusiasts can elevate their fantasy cricket experience by exploring various fantasy formats offered by platforms like Cricket.com and Dream11. Cricket.com’s “Asli Fantasy” allows players to compete against seasoned fantasy cricket players, testing their skills against some of the best in the game. Similarly, Dream11 offers a “Pro Fantasy” format, challenging users to strategize and compete at a higher level. By embracing these advanced formats, players can sharpen their skills, experience tougher competition, and take their fantasy cricket journey to new heights.
Gaming
Bluestone FY26 revenue rises to Rs 2,436 crore, turns profitable
Q4 profit at Rs 31 crore, full-year profit at Rs 13 crore vs loss last year.
MUMBAI: From sparkle to numbers, Bluestone seems to be polishing more than just jewellery this year. Bluestone Jewellery and Lifestyle Limited reported a sharp turnaround in FY26, with revenue from operations rising to Rs 2,436 crore (Rs 24,364 million), up from Rs 1,770 crore (Rs 17,700 million) in FY25. The company posted a full-year profit of Rs 13 crore (Rs 131.79 million), a significant recovery from a loss of Rs 222 crore (Rs 2,218 million) a year ago.
Total income for the year stood at Rs 2,486 crore (Rs 24,860 million), compared to Rs 1,830 crore (Rs 18,300 million) in the previous year, reflecting both topline growth and improved operational momentum.
The March quarter, however, told a more nuanced story. Revenue from operations came in at Rs 681 crore (Rs 6,814 million), down from Rs 748 crore (Rs 7,486 million) in the year-ago period, though higher than Rs 461 crore (Rs 4,613 million) in the preceding December quarter. Net profit for Q4 stood at Rs 31 crore (Rs 311.81 million), compared to Rs 68 crore (Rs 688 million) a year earlier, but a clear reversal from a loss of Rs 51 crore (Rs 512 million) in Q3.
Margins were shaped by higher input costs, with raw material consumption rising to Rs 2,204 crore (Rs 22,043 million) for the full year, alongside employee benefit expenses of Rs 282 crore (Rs 2,824 million) and finance costs of Rs 210 crore (Rs 2,104 million). Other expenses came in at Rs 371 crore (Rs 3,715 million), slightly lower than Rs 393 crore (Rs 3,938 million) in FY25.
On the balance sheet front, total assets expanded to Rs 4,961 crore (Rs 49,610 million) as of March 31, 2026, from Rs 3,532 crore (Rs 35,322 million) a year earlier, driven largely by a surge in inventories to Rs 2,672 crore (Rs 26,718 million). Equity also strengthened to Rs 1,803 crore (Rs 18,030 million), nearly doubling from Rs 911 crore (Rs 9,107 million).
Cash flows reflected the cost of growth. Net cash used in operating activities stood at Rs 199 crore (Rs 1,990 million), while investing activities saw an outflow of Rs 239 crore (Rs 2,392 million). Financing activities, however, generated Rs 497 crore (Rs 4,971 million), helping the company end the year with cash and cash equivalents of Rs 108 crore (Rs 1,075 million), up from Rs 49 crore (Rs 487 million).
Earnings per share for FY26 came in at Rs 1.10, a sharp improvement from a negative Rs 79.74 in FY25, underlining the shift from losses to profitability.
With revenue scaling up, costs still glittering on the higher side, and profitability finally back in the black, BlueStone’s FY26 performance suggests a business mid-transition less about shine alone, and more about sustaining it.
