How to Create Teams in Dream11 2025 – Step-by-Step Guide with Tips

So the IPL 2025 season is finally here and matches have started. Whether you’re new to fantasy cricket or you’ve played before, the first thing you need to know is how to create teams in Dream11 2025.

This guide is for anyone who wants to make a perfect team and win big. I’ll explain everything from picking players to understanding pitch reports, plus a few tricks to help you get ahead. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Open Dream11 App

Make sure your Dream11 app is updated to the latest 2025 version. Open it and you’ll see a list of upcoming matches. But before this you can read more about how to create an account in Dream11 here.

For example, today’s match might be something like KKR vs RCB.

You’ll see a countdown timer showing how much time is left for the match. All other matches like SRH vs RR, CSK vs MI, and others will also be listed there.

Step 2: Select a Match

Tap on the match you want to play — let’s say RCB vs KKR.

Once you tap, you’ll enter the match hub where you’ll see different types of contests. Each one has its own:

• Entry Fee
• Prize Pool
• Total Spots
• First Prize (could be cash, cars, or even gadgets)

There are contests like:

• Grand League (for big wins)
• Head-to-Head (1 vs 1)
• 3-member, 5-member, 10-member mini-leagues
• Practice contests (no money, just for testing)

You can pick whichever suits your budget and strategy.

Step 3: Join a Contest

Say you want to join a ₹49 Grand League. Tap on Join ₹49. It’ll now ask you to create a team. Let’s get to the important part now — team creation.

Step 4: Create Your Dream11 Team (Pick 11 Players)

Here’s what you’ll see:

• A total of 22 players (from both teams)
• You get 100 credits to use
• You need to pick 11 players in this order:
  • 1-4 Wicketkeepers
  • 3-6 Batters
  • 1-4 All-rounders
  • 3-6 Bowlers

Pro Tips While Picking Players:

• Check the “% Selected By” stat. It tells you how many people have picked that player.
• Choose players who:
  • Are confirmed to play (check toss updates)
  • Bat in the top 3 or bowl full quota of overs
  • Are in good recent form
• Mix players from both teams (safe ratio is 6:5 or 7:4)

Let’s say you pick:

• Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Dinesh Karthik
• Batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer
• All-Rounders: Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell
• Bowlers: Mohammad Siraj, Lockie Ferguson, Harshit Rana

Step 5: Use Pitch Report and Match Stats

Before locking your team, always check the venue info.

For example, if the match is at Eden Gardens, stats might say:

• Average score: 204
• Good for pacers
• Flat batting pitch
• Small ground

So, in this case:

• Pick big-hitting batters
• Go with fast bowlers over spinners

Dream11 even gives you head-to-head stats if you click on “More” inside the match page. Use that data to pick smartly.

Step 6: Choose Captain and Vice-Captain

This is where you can make or break your fantasy game.

• Captain = 2x points
• Vice-Captain = 1.5x points

So, don’t just pick big names. Pick players who are:

• In good form
• Likely to play a big role in the match
• Bat in top order or bowl full overs

For example:

• Captain: Virat Kohli (bats early, chance of big score)
• Vice-Captain: Andre Russell (bats and bowls = more chances to score fantasy points)

Step 7: Add Backup Players

This is a super underrated feature in Dream11. After saving your team, you’ll see an “Add Backup” option.

Here’s why it’s helpful: Let’s say you pick a player who doesn’t play (out after the toss). Instead of getting zero points, your backup player will automatically come in.

You can add up to 4 backup players. This saves your team from being ruined due to last-minute changes.

Step 8: Save Team and Join the Contest

Once done, hit Save. Then tap Join Contest, and you’re in. That’s it.

You can now check the “My Contests” tab to see your joined contests and teams.

Step 9: Edit Team Before Toss (Optional)

You can edit your team before the match starts.

Let’s say you see the playing XI and someone in your team isn’t playing. Just tap the pencil icon, make your changes, and save.

You can:

• Change players
• Switch captain and vice-captain
• Edit backups

Just make sure to do this before the deadline.

Extra Tip – Use the Guru Teams (Optional)

In the team creation screen, there’s a “Gurus” tab.

These are teams created by Dream11 experts or top-ranked users.
Some are free, some cost ₹5 to unlock. You can use these as reference or copy them fully if you want a shortcut. But honestly, making your own team based on form, pitch, and stats is more fun — and gives you better learning too.

Tips for Building a Winning Team

1. Check Pitch Conditions: If the pitch is good for batting, pick more batsmen. If it’s good for bowling, pick more bowlers.
2. Focus on Form: Pick players who are in good form. For example, if Virat Kohli has been scoring runs recently, he’s a good pick.
3. Balance Your Team: Don’t pick too many players from one team. Keep it balanced.
4. Captain and Vice-Captain: Choose your captain and vice-captain wisely. They can make or break your team.

Final Thoughts

So that’s the full guide on how to create teams in Dream11 2025.

Quick recap:

1. Open app and pick a match
2. Select contest
3. Create team with 11 players
4. Use stats, pitch reports, and form
5. Pick Captain and Vice-Captain
6. Add backups
7. Save and join
8. Edit before the toss if needed

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll really enjoy the strategy and the thrill of climbing the leaderboard. And hey, even if you don’t win the top prize, learning how to play better each time is a win in itself. If you found this helpful, share it with a friend who’s new to fantasy cricket.

Happy gaming and all the best for your Dream11 journey in IPL 2025!