Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has suggested Gujarat Titans consider an unconventional team combination for the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, saying the franchise should start with only three overseas players if they end up bowling first.
Tactical gamble for GT
After defeating a resurgent Rajasthan Royals side in Qualifier 2 by seven wickets, Gujarat Titans will take on defending champions RCB in the final on Sunday night at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The home side will look to overturn the disappointment of their 92-run defeat in Qualifier 1 earlier this week against the table-toppers.
Ahead of the blockbuster clash, speaking on Jiohotstar's 'Game Plan', 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?” The former India all-rounder explained that this tactical gamble could give GT flexibility in the second innings if they have to chase a massive total to win the trophy.
“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,” Bangar added.
Exploiting match-ups
The former India player also highlighted the left-arm spinner Sai Kishore as a potential match-up Gujarat could exploit against RCB captain Rajat Patidar, who has been one of the most influential figures behind Bengaluru’s run to a second consecutive final. Highlighting the left-arm spinner's ability to bowl slower deliveries, Bangar said, “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.”
The final will see Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans attempt to win their second IPL crown after their 2022 title in the debut season, while RCB are aiming to become only the third franchise after CSK and MI to retain the title in IPL history.
Stay updated with the IPL 2026 Final between RCB and GT on Times of India. Follow live match updates, the latest IPL news, full IPL schedule, and the race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
