Sanjay Bangar suggested an unorthodox team combination for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday, May 31, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The former India all-rounder floated the idea of playing with only three overseas players if the Titans are bowling first. GT and RCB have faced each other thrice this season, with the defending champions holding a 2-1 edge after their 92-run win in Qualifier 1.
“It's slightly out-of-the-box thinking, but can GT play with only three overseas players in their starting lineup when they're bowling first?” Bangar told Jio Hotstar.
The former India all-rounder explained that such a game plan could allow the Shubman Gill-led side to beef up their batting resources later in the match if conditions demand it.
“If Rashid's overs are not required, they leave themselves the option of bringing in somebody like Glenn Phillips, which actually gives them a lot of batting strength, something you need when you're probably looking to chase down a score in excess of 210-220,” he said.
Rashid Khan has blown hot and cold this season. In the last game, he conceded 45 runs in just two overs against the Rajasthan Royals.
Despite all the considerations, Bangar believes that the Titans would eventually stick to their usual team combination. However, he advised them to discuss every possible option ahead of the all-important clash.
“I don't think GT will go in that direction, but they should at least consider it,” the 53-year-old said.
The former India batting coach said that the Titans could also contemplate bringing left-arm spinner Sai Kishore into the lineup as a possible match-up against Rajat Patidar, who has been in scintillating form this season.
“And if there is one spinner who has had a little bit of success against Rajat Patidar, it is Sai Kishore. He bowls those slower deliveries outside Patidar's hitting arc, and he also bowls with a lot of control against the left-handers,” Bangar said.
Sanjay Bangar warns GT batters of Bhuvneshwar Kumar's threat
Bangar advised Shubman Gill and the other GT batters to rely on their techniques instead of trying to dance down the track and disrupt Bhuvneshwar Kumar's rhythm. The cricketer-turned-expert said that playing from the crease would be a safer option against someone as skilful as Bhuvneshwar.
"Against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, I would not suggest batters to stand outside the crease or walk towards him because he's quite sharp. If he sees you dancing down the track, he can slip in that straightish short ball quite nicely,” he said.
“He also has the knack of pulling his length back, and instead of swing, he can get the ball to seam around. So, I would say play from the crease, let the ball come to you, and play as late as possible,” he added.
