One idea comes from ex-India batting coach Sanjay Bangar. If Gujarat Titans bat second, he hints, using just three foreign players might work. His thought floats around the 2026 IPL final against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Bowling first could shape that choice. The team doesn’t need to follow it. Yet, considering fewer overseas names isn’t dismissed by him. Match conditions may tilt things one way. Or another, strategy shifts like sand. Nothing stays fixed. Even strong norms bend under pressure. Three out of four spots are opening up, which changes the balance. Local talent steps in, and the pace alters. Room appears for others. Not every rule writes itself in stone. Moments demand different shapes.
Sunday brings GT face-to-face with reigning champs RCB at Narendra Modi Stadium, eager to shake off a tough 92-run loss in Qualifier 1. Since the trophy hangs in the balance, Bangar figures Gujarat might want to try bolder moves - choices offering more room to adapt when play begins.
Sanjay Bangar sees tactical value in a flexible overseas combination of GT
Starting with three overseas names might give Gujarat a smart swap chance late, especially when hunting a big score, Bangar said on JioHotstar.
"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 said. That old India all-rounder reckons Gujarat could slot in another batsman should the pitch invite big totals.
"If Rashid Khan'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 explained.
Though Bangar said Gujarat probably won’t change their regular lineup, he thinks all possibilities deserve a look before the season’s most crucial game.
"I don't think GT will go in that direction, but they should at least consider it," he added.
Besides Bangar, another voice pointed to Sai Kishore, left-armer with sharp turns, as someone likely to trouble Rajat Patidar. The Bengaluru skipper has stood tall throughout their season. His knock each time under pressure. Kishore’s flight and dip might just be the puzzle he hasn’t faced yet.
"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 also has excellent control against left-handers," Bangar said.
Sanjay Bangar sees the showdown of Gujarat captain Shubman Gill against seasoned RCB bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar as one shaping the outcome. Though separate moments unfold across the field, this clash carries weight beyond just numbers.
When Gill steps in, eyes track more than his stance, timing meets pressure. Bhuvneshwar, calm as ever, lines up with a plan built on subtle shifts. Each delivery could tilt what follows later. Not every key moment shouts; some whisper through tension between bat and ball.
Shubman Gill pushed Gujarat forward, all the way to the final stage. Still, Bangar warned him not to break Bhuvneshwar’s flow by rushing toward the bowler.
"Against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, I would not suggest batters stand outside the crease or walk towards him because he's quite sharp. If he sees you coming down the track, he can slip in that straightish short ball very effectively," Bangar noted.
"He also has the ability to pull his length back and get the ball to seam rather than swing. My advice would be to play from the crease, let the ball come to you, and play as late as possible."
Chasing a second crown, the Gujarat Titans line up for IPL 2026's final clash. Standing opposite, RCB push to join an elite trio who've held onto the trophy across back-to-back seasons.
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