This Sanjay Bangar suggestion for IPL 2026 final is actually quite interesting,because it is not normal safe cricket talk . He is basically asking Gujarat Titans (GT) to think slightly differently against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB),and in final pressure,that is not small thing ah.
Final is set for May 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium,and Bangar feels GT can maybe start with only three overseas players if they bowl first . Sounds risky at first,but his logic is simple — keep one overseas batting option ready for later if chase becomes heavy.
During conversation on Jio Hotstar,Bangar said,"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?" And honestly,this is exactly kind of idea which either looks genius after match or gets mocked badly if it fails.
His point is around Rashid Khan too . If GT feel Rashid Khan’s overs are not that needed in particular phase or match-up,they could bring in Glenn Phillips later to strengthen batting . Especially if target goes into 210-220 zone,extra hitting option suddenly becomes very tempting.
Few things standing out from Bangar’s thinking:
- GT starting with only three overseas players could give batting depth later.
- Sai Kishore match-up against RCB's Rajat Patidar can become interesting .
- Shubman Gill needs to trust technique against Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
And tbh,this is where IPL tactics become more chess than just cricket . One Impact Player type move,one overseas call,one match-up against one batter… entire final mood can change in 10 minutes .
Bangar also spoke about Gujarat captain Shubman Gill and his battle with Bhuvneshwar Kumar . His advice was not to overdo things or try too hard to disturb Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s rhythm,because Bhuvneshwar Kumar is experienced enough to adjust length if batter becomes too aggressive.
That part makes sense,because Shubman Gill is at his best when he looks calm and trusts his base . In final,trying to manufacture shots early against someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar can easily backfire . But at same time,RCB will also know Gill is main wicket only.
GT are aiming for their second IPL title,while RCB seeks to become one of the few teams to retain their championship . So pressure is sitting on both sides,just in different ways.
And this three-overseas idea is risky but not random . If pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium turns into batting party,GT may actually need that extra Glenn Phillips option later . But if bowling first goes wrong and Rashid Khan type control is missed,then same plan can look too clever for its own good…
So now question is,would GT really take such gamble in IPL 2026 final,or will they go safe when toss pressure starts…
