(DNP) Sanjay Bangar delivers honest verdict over Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Poora – Sanjay Bangar’s Bold IPL 2026 Verdict: The Case for Repurchasing Star Players

Rethinking IPL Squad Management

The conclusion of the IPL 2026 season has triggered intense discussions regarding team compositions and the future of several high-profile cricketers. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has stepped into the discourse, offering a nuanced evaluation that challenges the binary choice of retaining or releasing players. Instead, Bangar proposes a third, strategic alternative: the ‘repurchase’ model.

The Case for the ‘Repurchase’ Strategy

Bangar’s logic is simple yet effective. In the modern, hyper-competitive IPL landscape, some players possess undeniable talent but have suffered through underwhelming seasons. By releasing these players and utilizing the auction dynamic to buy them back at a more market-appropriate price, franchises could potentially optimize their salary caps while keeping core talent intact.

This strategy is particularly relevant for superstars who failed to justify their hefty price tags during the 2026 campaign. Bangar specifically highlighted Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and their marquee signings, Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant, as prime candidates for this approach.

LSG and the Superstar Dilemma

Nicholas Pooran’s season was a struggle, as evidenced by his 234 runs across 14 matches, failing to deliver the explosive impact expected of him. Similarly, Rishabh Pant, despite holding the record as the most expensive player in IPL history, found it difficult to find his rhythm. Bangar advocates for a ‘repurchase’ for both, suggesting that while their talent is not in doubt, their current cost is not reflective of their recent output. Conversely, he was firm regarding Avesh Khan, recommending that the franchise move on entirely following an injury-plagued and ineffective season.

Franchise-by-Franchise Breakdown

Bangar’s analysis extended across the league, providing specific recommendations for various franchises:

• Mumbai Indians: Shardul Thakur earned praise for his 12-wicket haul, securing a potential spot in the future plans. However, Bangar suggested that moving on from veterans like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar might be necessary. Notably, he remained uncertain about Hardik Pandya’s future, reflecting the complexity of captaincy and all-rounder roles.
• Punjab Kings: The focus here was on stability. Bangar supported retaining Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal, noting that despite statistical inconsistencies, they remain vital. However, he felt Xavier Bartlett did not demonstrate enough to warrant a continued spot.
• Delhi Capitals & Chennai Super Kings: For the Capitals, T Natarajan is seen as a retention priority, while Nitish Rana and Mukesh Kumar are viewed as players to release. Meanwhile, Bangar backed CSK’s decision to retain Shivam Dube, with a suggestion to look into repurchasing Prashant Veer.
• Other Notable Calls: Bangar advised the Gujarat Titans to keep Rahul Tewatia, while suggesting the Rajasthan Royals retain Ravindra Jadeja and Tushar Deshpande. Royal Challengers Bengaluru were encouraged to continue backing Romario Shepherd.

Assessing Value in the Auction Market

A recurring theme in Bangar’s assessment is the disparity between player value and auction price. He specifically placed players like Liam Livingstone and Harshal Patel into the ‘repurchase’ category. This indicates that while their skill sets remain highly valuable in the T20 format, their current valuation has become bloated. By entering the auction room, franchises can reset the financial parameters of their contracts without necessarily losing the player’s services.

Conclusion

As the franchises prepare for the next cycle of the IPL, the insights provided by someone with the tactical pedigree of Sanjay Bangar carry significant weight. The ‘repurchase’ strategy offers a sophisticated pathway for teams looking to rectify the mistakes of previous auctions while maintaining squad continuity. Whether franchises will adopt this bold, data-driven approach remains to be seen, but it certainly provides a compelling blueprint for navigating the future of IPL squad building.