Sixer predictions · forecasts, calls and confidence levels
The desk publishes matchday predictions for every IPL, T20 international, ODI and Test match involving India. Each prediction carries a confidence level and a small fantasy call for captain and vice-captain.
Matchday desk
Today's fixtures, squad primers, calendar.
Fantasy tips
Captain picks, six-hitting maps, salary cap arithmetic.
Players
Top-order, all-rounders, bowlers, wicket-keepers.
Teams & XI
Franchise squads, playing-XI probability, depth charts.
Tournaments
IPL, T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, WPL, domestic.
Live matches
Live scorecard, points feed, leaderboard tracking.
What the desk's predictions are
The desk publishes a prediction for every match involving India across all formats. The prediction has three parts: a forecast score range for both teams, a fantasy call for captain and vice-captain, and a confidence level (low, medium, high) based on how much match data the desk has read. The desk's predictions are qualified reads, not guarantees.
How the desk builds a prediction
The desk reads the last ten matches for both teams, the head-to-head record at the venue, the toss trend at the venue, the pitch report, the weather forecast and the likely playing XI. The desk assigns a probability to each outcome and converts that into a forecast score range. The captain call is the player with the highest probability of being in the top three fantasy scorers of the match.
Why the desk publishes confidence levels
A prediction without a confidence level is just a guess. The desk publishes confidence levels so readers can decide how much of their contest cap to allocate to a given match. A low-confidence prediction is a small contest; a high-confidence prediction is a larger contest. The desk has observed that readers who follow the confidence levels win more contests over a season.
Three recent prediction patterns
Pattern one: the desk predicts a chasing-side win when the toss trend is 'bat first' but the venue has a dew factor. Pattern two: the desk predicts a low-scoring Test when the pitch is dry and the toss is won by the spin-bowling side. Pattern three: the desk predicts a high-scoring T20 when the venue has short square boundaries and the batting side has a power-packed top order.
Prediction reading checklist
- Check the desk's confidence level before allocating your contest cap.
- Cross-check the desk's forecast score range with the venue ledger.
- Read the desk's captain call alongside the captaincy ledger.
- Check the toss update before the match starts.
- Walk away if the desk's confidence is low and the venue is unfamiliar.
Common prediction mistakes
The desk's most common prediction mistakes: assuming the favourite always wins (in T20 cricket the favourite wins roughly 65 percent of matches, not 90), ignoring the dew factor in evening matches, ignoring the toss when the venue has a strong chase trend. The desk recommends reading the toss update and the venue ledger together before locking your team.
Related reading
Read the desk's fantasy tips for captain picks, the matchday desk for today's fixtures, the players hub for top-order anchors and the live matches page for the live points feed.
Predictions · FAQ
How accurate are the desk's predictions?
The desk tracks its predictions quarterly. Across the past four quarters the desk's match winner predictions have hit around 62 percent across formats and contest captain picks have hit around 54 percent. The desk treats predictions as a reading aid, not a guarantee.
Does the desk publish predictions for every match?
The desk publishes predictions for every match involving India across the IPL, T20 internationals, ODI internationals and Test cricket. The desk does not publish predictions for domestic T20 leagues (other than the IPL).
Should I follow every prediction?
No. The desk publishes confidence levels so you can decide. The desk recommends following high-confidence predictions with larger contest entries and low-confidence predictions with smaller entries or by skipping the contest.
Does the desk publish predictions for other countries' cricket?
The desk publishes predictions for India matches and for the major finals (IPL final, T20 World Cup final, ODI World Cup final, Champions Trophy final, WPL final). The desk does not publish predictions for other bilateral series.