(DNP) Sanjay Bangar delivers honest verdict over Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Poora – Sanjay Bangar’s Strategic IPL 2026 Verdict: Pant, Pooran, and Auction Strategy
The Changing Landscape of IPL Squad Management
As the dust settles on the IPL 2026 season, franchises are faced with the arduous task of balancing rosters for the future. Former Indian cricket team batting coach Sanjay Bangar has stepped into the spotlight, offering a comprehensive and analytical breakdown of how teams should approach their squads. Rather than adhering to the binary choice of retention or release, Bangar has introduced a nuanced third pathway: the ‘repurchase’ strategy.
The Case for ‘Repurchase’
Bangar’s logic is simple yet strategic. For players who remain high-value assets but have struggled to justify their current, often inflated price tags, the best route forward is to release them and aggressively bid for them at a lower price point during the upcoming mega-auction. This method aims to clear the salary cap while keeping the core talent intact.
This approach was specifically applied to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) stars Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant. Despite their massive reputations, both players endured underwhelming campaigns. Pooran managed only 234 runs in 14 matches, failing to deliver the explosive impact expected of him. Similarly, Pant, despite being one of the most expensive players in the league’s history, did not reach the heights anticipated. Bangar suggests that LSG should cut ties temporarily and look to bring them back at a more sustainable salary.
Evaluating Franchise Dynamics Across the Board
Bangar’s insights extend far beyond the Lucknow franchise, covering a wide array of talent across all teams. His analysis provides a roadmap for teams looking to optimize their finances.
- Mumbai Indians: Shardul Thakur has earned a seal of approval from Bangar for his 12-wicket contribution. Conversely, the future of veterans like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar seems uncertain, with Bangar suggesting the franchise move on. Notably, he remained hesitant regarding Hardik Pandya, expressing uncertainty about his long-term future at the club.
- Punjab Kings: The focus here is on balance. Bangar supports retaining Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal, suggesting their value is higher than their recent statistics might imply. However, he was less optimistic about Xavier Bartlett, advising the franchise to look elsewhere.
- Delhi Capitals: The recommendation is to hold onto T. Natarajan, while opting to part ways with Nitish Rana and Mukesh Kumar.
- Chennai Super Kings: Bangar remains a supporter of Shivam Dube, but suggests that players like Prashant Veer should be treated with the ‘repurchase’ strategy.
A Tactical Shift for Notable Names
The veteran coach also addressed players whose utility remains high even if their form has dipped. Liam Livingstone and Harshal Patel were specifically highlighted as prime candidates for the repurchase category. According to Bangar, these players still possess the match-winning capability needed in the IPL, but their current auction prices no longer align with their recent output.
Other specific recommendations included:
- Gujarat Titans: Retain Rahul Tewatia; release Shahrukh Khan.
- Rajasthan Royals: Retain Ravindra Jadeja and Tushar Deshpande; part ways with Shimron Hetmyer.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Continue to back Romario Shepherd as a key component of the squad.
Final Thoughts on Strategy
Bangar’s assessment reflects the growing complexity of IPL squad management. As teams look to build dynasties in an increasingly competitive environment, the ability to maneuver salary caps through smart auction tactics—like the one Bangar proposes—may well become the difference between a championship run and a season of rebuilding. Whether franchises will adopt this ‘repurchase’ philosophy remains to be seen, but it provides a compelling blueprint for modern cricket management.
