(DNP) Sanjay Bangar delivers honest verdict over Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Poora – Sanjay Bangar’s Bold IPL 2026 Verdict: Repurchasing Pant and Pooran
The Strategic Dilemma of IPL 2026
As the dust settles on the 2026 Indian Premier League season, the focus shifts toward the upcoming auction cycle. Franchises face the daunting task of finalizing their squads, balancing legacy with current form. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar recently offered a sophisticated take on this process, moving beyond the binary choice of ‘retain’ or ‘release’ to introduce a nuanced third option: the repurchase strategy.
The Case for Repurchasing Stars
Bangar’s most eye-catching suggestions involve two of the biggest names in the Lucknow Super Giants camp: Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran. Both players struggled to hit top gear during the 2026 campaign. Pooran, often hailed as a T20 powerhouse, managed only 234 runs in 14 matches, while Pant—who holds the title of the most expensive player in IPL history—failed to live up to his monumental price tag.
According to Bangar, releasing these players to the auction pool with the intent to repurchase them at a more realistic market value is a logical fiscal move for the franchise. This approach allows teams to recalibrate their wage bills without entirely severing ties with high-impact talent.
Direct Assessments and Franchise Shake-ups
Bangar’s analysis was not limited to these two stars. He provided a comprehensive breakdown across several franchises, offering a mix of praise and cold, hard reality:
- Lucknow Super Giants: Beyond the repurchase suggestions for Pant and Pooran, Bangar was blunt regarding pacer Avesh Khan, recommending that the franchise cut ties entirely following a season plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
- Punjab Kings: The veteran coach backed the retention of Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal, citing their value despite uneven statistics. However, he felt Xavier Bartlett’s performance did not warrant a continued spot.
- Mumbai Indians: Shardul Thakur earned an endorsement for his 12-wicket tally. Conversely, Bangar suggested that the franchise might be better served parting ways with experienced campaigners like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. Most intriguingly, he remained non-committal regarding Hardik Pandya, expressing uncertainty about the all-rounder’s future with the five-time champions.
Strategic Decisions Across the League
The evaluation extended across the entire spectrum of the league. For the Delhi Capitals, Bangar advocated for holding onto T. Natarajan while suggesting that Nitish Rana and Mukesh Kumar be released. Chennai Super Kings were advised to keep faith in Shivam Dube, with a potential repurchase option on the table for Prashant Veer.
Other notable recommendations included:
- Gujarat Titans: Keep Rahul Tewatia; move on from Shahrukh Khan.
- Rajasthan Royals: Retain Ravindra Jadeja and Tushar Deshpande, but consider parting ways with Shimron Hetmyer.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Continue supporting Romario Shepherd.
The Verdict on Value
Bangar also highlighted players like Liam Livingstone and Harshal Patel as prime candidates for the ‘repurchase’ strategy. While their skill sets remain undeniable, their previous salaries are no longer commensurate with their recent on-field contributions. By testing their value in the open market, franchises can potentially retain their services at a price that better reflects their current form.
This analytical approach provides a fascinating look into the complex financial and sporting calculations that define modern IPL management. As teams prepare for the next phase of squad building, Bangar’s insights serve as a reminder that in the high-stakes world of the IPL, flexibility is just as important as individual talent.
Ultimately, the success of these franchises in the coming years may well depend on their willingness to make these tough, objective decisions, ensuring that every player on the roster provides genuine value for money.
