Cricket Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-06-17

Welcome back to your weekly DFS Cricket column, Pulse Players! After England's dominant performance against West Indies, routing them in a recent SA20-style encounter, the landscape is shifting. We saw some explosive individual efforts, and some struggles that need to be noted. Let's dive into the top picks for DraftKings and FanDuel this week to help you craft those winning lineups.

Top 3 Players to START This Week First up, Jos Buttler (England). As captain and opener, Buttler is in blistering form, demonstrated by his recent aggressive knocks and consistent high scores. He's not just a run machine; his wicketkeeping points add a crucial floor to his fantasy output. He's a lock for your top-order. Next, we have Phil Salt (England). Salt has been fearless at the top, capitalizing on opportunities and setting the tone early. His recent performances show an aggressive intent that translates directly into high fantasy scores through boundaries and quick runs. Finally, consider Sam Curran (England). Curran is the epitome of a fantasy all-rounder. He bowls crucial overs, often picking up wickets in the powerplay and at the death, and his powerful lower-order hitting provides significant bonus points. He offers a high floor and ceiling.

Top 2 Players to SIT/BENCH It’s tough to bench talent, but sometimes the matchup or recent form dictates caution. We recommend Rovman Powell (West Indies) for