As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaches, former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar has shared his thoughts on what the ideal Punjab Kings (PBKS) playing XI should look like. PBKS, who have consistently underperformed in the IPL over the years, are looking to break their playoff drought and mount a serious title challenge this time. With a revamped squad featuring a mix of experienced international stars and exciting young Indian talent, PBKS has the potential to be one of the dark horses this season.

Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar provided a structured breakdown of PBKS’ best possible playing XI, taking into account batting depth, all-round options, and a strong bowling attack.

1. Opening pair: Power-hitters to set the tone

George Garton & Prabhsimran Singh

Bangar believes that PBKS should open with George Garton and Prabhsimran Singh to maximize their explosive starts. Garton, the England left-hander, is known for his aggressive batting style and ability to take on pacers in the powerplay. His attacking approach at the top could give Punjab a flying start.

At the other end, Prabhsimran Singh has been one of PBKS’ most promising young talents. His ability to play fearless cricket and take on spinners in the middle overs makes him a key player at the top. If this opening pair clicks, Punjab Kings can put up big totals or chase down daunting targets with ease.

2. Middle order: Stability and firepower

No. 3 – Shreyas Iyer

At No. 3, Shreyas Iyer brings experience, calmness, and the ability to anchor the innings. Having won the IPL title as KKR’s captain last season, Iyer is now Punjab’s leader and will play a crucial role in guiding the team with his leadership and consistent performances. His ability to accelerate after settling in will be vital in holding the innings together.

No. 4 – Shashank Singh

Bangar backs Shashank Singh for the No. 4 slot, citing his impressive domestic performances. Shashank has been a reliable middle-order batter in domestic cricket and is known for his ability to handle pressure. His inclusion ensures that Punjab has someone who can absorb pressure and build partnerships.

No. 5 – Glenn Maxwell

The X-factor in the Punjab Kings lineup, Glenn Maxwell comes in at No. 5. Maxwell’s return to PBKS adds immense value to their middle order. His ability to play outrageous shots, switch gears effortlessly, and contribute with his off-spin makes him one of the most dangerous players in T20 cricket. If Maxwell finds his rhythm, he can single-handedly change the course of a match within a few overs.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer discloses his preferred batting position for the franchise

3. All-rounders: The backbone of PBKS

No. 6 – Marcus Stoinis

Another key addition to PBKS, Marcus Stoinis, will slot in at No. 6. The Australian all-rounder is a reliable power-hitter and a handy medium-pacer. Stoinis provides depth to both batting and bowling, making him an invaluable asset in crunch situations. His finishing ability will be crucial for Punjab in the last five overs.

No. 7 – Marco Jansen

At No. 7, Bangar picks South African left-arm pacer and all-rounder Marco Jansen. Jansen brings variety to the bowling attack and provides depth in the lower order with his clean hitting. His left-arm pace can be particularly effective in troubling opposition batters, and his height gives him an added advantage.

4. Bowling attack: A blend of experience and young talent

No. 8 – Harpreet Brar

A reliable left-arm spinner, Harpreet Brar will be Punjab’s main spin option alongside Maxwell and Chahal. He has proven himself as a wicket-taking option in the middle overs and can also contribute with the bat in late-order partnerships.

No. 9 – Yuzvendra Chahal

One of IPL’s greatest spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal, will be the lead spinner in Punjab’s bowling attack. Chahal’s experience and ability to deceive batters with his flight and variations make him an essential weapon for PBKS, especially in spin-friendly conditions. His presence gives Punjab a genuine wicket-taking threat in the middle overs.

No. 10 – Arshdeep Singh

Punjab’s most consistent bowler in recent years, Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace attack. Arshdeep has been one of India’s best death-over bowlers, and his ability to bowl yorkers under pressure makes him a crucial part of the team. With Jansen and Stoinis supporting him, PBKS will have a well-rounded pace attack.

No. 11 – A young Indian pacer (to be chosen based on conditions)

For the final bowling spot, Bangar suggests picking a young Indian pacer depending on the conditions and match-ups. PBKS have several options, including Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur  and Kuldeep Sen, who could complement the attack. This spot will provide Punjab with an extra pace option, ensuring flexibility in the playing XI.

Also READ: Punjab Kings IPL 2025: 5 players to watch out for ft. Shreyas Iyer

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After an intense contest between the two nations in the T20I format, India and England are set to face each other for a 3-match One-day International (ODI) series with the first ODI currently underway at Nagpur. The next stop of the series is set to be in Cuttack and the last ODI will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

As the preparations for the crucial series begins, an important decision which the Indian team has to take will be regarding the playing combination and the number of batters the team is ready to accommodate. In the midst of a tough call for the team, a valuable advice has popped up from the former batting coach of the Indian team which has emerged as a major talking point in the cricketing community.

Sanjay Bangar picks between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant

Amidst a difficult choice of choosing the top-choice as the team’s wicket-keeper against England in the ODI series, Sanjay Bangar, the former batting coach of the Indian cricket team, has opened up on his choice as the team’s wicket-keeper during the limited overs challenge against England. According to Bangar, owing to the experience and the dynamics he brings in limited overs format, KL Rahul is the perfect choice for India as a wicket-keeper batter for the ODI series.

“If you cast your mind back to the way KL Rahul has performed not only as a batsman but also as a wicketkeeper. Some of the catches and the way he kept in the (2023) World Cup was simply fabulous. Rishabh Pant, no doubt, is a very, very exciting talent. But currently, I believe that the team would start with KL in the lineup based on the performances that he’s given in the middle overs as well as his exploits as a wicketkeeper,” Bangar said during a discussion on Star Sports.

Also Read: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and others flaunt style as BCCI unveils Team India’s new Tri-Coloured theme jersey

The ongoing dilemma for India’s ODI squad

Evidently, the struggle of having to pick one between Rahul and Pant has become persistent in the Indian team with both players showcasing impeccable skills both as batters and behind the stumps as well. Rahul has featured in 77 ODIs for the team  while Pant has been in the Indian squad for 31 ODI matches in his career so far. The two players have also played simultaneously in the post, but Bangar is opposed to such an arrangement between the two players.

“I don’t think both can play in the single line-up. Generally because of the makeup of the team is right-hand dominant, at least in the top six, and we’ve seen in the past how Jadeja has been used in the batting at four or five according to the needs and situation of the game. So, they have that luxury of Jadeja at number seven who can obviously fit in and do the role of a left-hander through the middle overs if the situations arise wherein teams rely on left-arm spinners or leg-spinners. So, yes, there is an option in Jadeja and because of that I think Rishabh Pant may still find it difficult to straightaway break in the playing eleven,” Bangar concluded.

The ODI series against England is India’s last stop before featuring in the Champions trophy 2025. India will begin its campaign to win the coveted tournament on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. Following which, the Indian side will play against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23 before playing their final group-stage match against New Zealand on March 2.

Also Read: Harbhajan Singh names India’s future Top 3 in white-ball cricket

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India and England are gearing up for the fifth and final Test match of their series, scheduled to be held at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala from March 07 to 11. With India already clinching the series with a 3-1 lead, both teams are preparing diligently for the last showdown. While India aims for another victory, England seeks to salvage pride with a win in the concluding Test match.

Team updates

India will be without the services of KL Rahul for the upcoming Test, but Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi, has been recalled for the Dharamsala encounter. Meanwhile, former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has recommended two changes to India’s playing XI for the fifth Test.

Sanjay Bangar proposes to cut down spin strength

Bangar suggested that India’s frontline pacer Bumrah should replace chinaman Kuldeep Yadav in India’s playing XI due to the specific conditions expected in Dharamsala. Bangar mentioned that Dharamsala’s altitude leads to slightly colder weather conditions, which, combined with the pitch conditions, are likely to offer some seam movement. Given Bumrah’s prowess as a seam bowler, especially in such conditions, Bangar believed he would be a valuable addition to the team for this match.

“India’s last Test match is going to be in Dharamsala. It will be slightly cold and there will be a little seam movement because of the altitude at which the ground is located. Because of that, there will be one condition-based change. Jasprit Bumrah can return in place of Kuldeep Yadav,” explained Bangar.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin picks his finest Test spell ahead of 100th appearance for India in whites

Bring a new debutant

Bangar asked for dropping Rajat Patidar from India’s playing XI and bringing in Devdutt Padikkal for the fifth Test. He justified this recommendation by highlighting Patidar’s lack of runs in the previous three matches.

“So India will play with three fast bowlers – (Mohammed) Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. Also, because Rajat (Patidar) hasn’t scored runs in three Test matches, you can see a new debutant there. The Indian team can give a chance to Devdutt Padikkal. So two changes according to me,” Bangar stated.

Also READ: IND vs ENG – India’s best playing XI for the Dharamsala Test against England

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As India head on in a crucial two-game Test series on their tour to South Africa, the looming statistic that they have never clinched a Test series victory on South African soil casts a shadow over the aspirations of the Asian cricketing giants. Amidst this fervor, veteran cricketer and former coach of the Indian cricket team, Sanjay Bangar, has brought insightful perspectives to the forefront. With his cricketing acumen and experience, Bangar has shed light on India’s persistent challenge in securing a Test series triumph in South Africa.

Bangar’s analysis on India’s horrible Test run in South Africa

Bangar stated that India’s lack of success in winning the Test series in South Africa is influenced by the relatively short duration of the series, often consisting of 2 or 3 matches. He suggested that a more extended series format, with four or five Tests, would likely showcase an improved performance by the Indian team.

“India have not won test series in South Africa because they play 2 Tests or 3-match Test series. If they get to play four or five-match Test series, it would reflect in their performance,” Bangar said on Star Sports.

Also READ – ‘Itna mehnat kiya kuch toh chahiyeâ€? Rohit Sharma desperate to conquer South Africa Test challenge after World Cup loss

‘It’s the bounce’: Faf du Plessis on India batter’s problem in South Africa

Earlier, South African veteran Faf du Plessis has also shed light on the problems Indian batter face in the Proteas’ backyard. Captain of the IPL franchise RCB, Faf underscored the heightened bounce experienced in South African conditions as opposed to those on Indian soil.

‘It’s the bounce. There is almost one full hand of extra bounce here compared to what they usually face in India. They are used to hitting the ball on the up there, but with the bounce on offer and lateral movement, there is an additional risk at play if you haven’t done it before and are not used to the lift,” Faf said as quoted by the Indian Express.

Also READ – SA vs IND: Here’s how Team India has fared out in Boxing Day Tests

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During a 2019 World Cup semi-final match against New Zealand at Old Trafford, India experienced a devastating loss that still resonates in the minds of cricket fans.

In a low-scoring, rain-affected encounter, India’s top-order batting crumbled, leaving fans in despair. Facing a modest target of 240 runs, the top-order batter fell like pack of cards with only a glimmer of hope provided by MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja‘s extraordinary 116-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Nevertheless, the Black Caps emerged victorious by an 18-run margin, securing a place in the final.

Sanjay Bangar’s insights on India’s 2019 world cup semi-final loss

During the ODI World Cup 2023 match between India and New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday, Sanjay Bangar shed light on the emotional aftermath of that heart-wrenching 2019 World Cup semi-final loss.

Bangar disclosed that the weight of defeat was so overwhelming that it brought even the toughest players, including the iconic MS Dhoni, to tears. This revelation provides a glimpse into the profound impact such moments can have on the players’ emotions.

“It was a heartbreaking moment for all the players as India were playing excellent cricket. We won seven matches in the league phase and to bow out like that was not good. Players cried like kids. MS Dhoni was crying like children. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant had tears in their eyes. Such stories remain in the dressing room,” Bangar said during the commentary.

Also READ: World Cup 2023: England captain Jos Buttler opens up on devastating loss against South Africa

India’s dominant bowling performance

Speaking of the game, opting to bowl first, the Men in Blue showcased their dominance with a disciplined bowling performance. Mohammed Shami was the standout performer, picking a five-wicket haul (5/54) to restrict New Zealand to 273/10 in 50 overs.

India’s reply:

India’s reply began with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma (46) and Shubman Gill (26), which provided a strong platform with 71 runs on the board. However, it was Virat Kohli who shone brightest, steering the team with a match-winning 95 off 104 balls.

India found themselves at 191/5 in the 34th over, but Kohli’s heroics ensured victory was within reach. Ravindra Jadeja (39 not out) partnered with Kohli to seal the deal with two overs to spare.

Also WATCH: Shreyas Iyer grabs a sensational catch to dismiss Devon Conway – IND vs NZ

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Sanjay Bangar, the former India batting coach, has offered advice to captain Rohit Sharma, encouraging him to maintain his commitment to building runs steadily during the initial phases of the game before shifting gears ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

The scintillating batting display by the Indian skipper in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023, along with his explosive innings of 81 runs from just 57 deliveries during the third ODI against Australia on September 27, comes as a heartening development for the Indian cricket team as they head for the ODI World Cup 2023.

However, despite Rohit’s ongoing stellar form, Bangar shared that he expects the Mumbai-born cricketer to play a different role for his side in the upcoming grand ICC event.

Also READ: Sanjay Manjrekar predicts his four semifinalists of the ODI World Cup 2023

‘An accumulator’: Sanjay Bangar on Rohit Sharma

Bangar stressed the importance of Rohit returning to his traditional “accumulator role” as an opening batter instead of continually adopting an aggressive stance in the initial phase of his innings. While acknowledging the recent penchant for an aggressive approach, he believes that the right-handed batter should prioritize patience and aim for the substantial centuries he is well-known for.

“I feel the one of an accumulator (what role should he play?). He is someone who has had phenomenal success as an ODI player. And many times that he has scored his hundred, it’s around the 30th over. All those 3 double hundreds that we speak of and rave of so much, the acceleration came toward the last 10-12 overs where he just toys with the bowling,” Bangar said on Star Sports.

‘He can afford to play the accumulator’

Bangar expressed that if Rohit takes a more restrained approach in his batting innings until the 35th over, it will significantly increase India’s chances of consistently achieving totals in excess of 350.

The former all-rounder also highlighted the emergence of fellow opener Shubman Gill as a fearless batter, which should further allow Rohit to take his time and build a solid foundation before going for the attack.

“So a dangerous Rohit Sharma, if he gets to that 35-over mark, then India is assured of a score of around 350. If he sticks to that sort of a template, I know he is trying to do certain other things, maybe take the game away from the bowlers, but he has got a phenomenal, fearless Shubman Gill, he can afford to play the accumulator which will guarantee that India will get a big total,” the 50-year-old added.

Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023: Ajay Jadeja takes on role of Afghanistan’s team mentor

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The excitement is reaching fever pitch as the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 draws near. With just a few days remaining before the cricketing extravaganza kicks off, cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating a thrilling tournament filled with unforgettable moments. This year, India has the distinct honour of hosting the competition, and the buzz surrounding the Men in Blue is palpable.

The tournament, scheduled to begin on October 5, will commence with a riveting encounter between England and New Zealand. However, the focus of cricket fans worldwide will undoubtedly be on India, led by the dynamic Rohit Sharma, as they embark on their World Cup campaign. India’s first match in the tournament is scheduled to be against the mighty Australia on October 8 in Chennai, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

In the build-up to this high-octane clash, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has generated significant buzz by revealing his handpicked playing XI for the Indian team. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had already announced India’s 15-member squad for the World Cup, featuring a constellation of cricketing superstars, Bangar’s selections have sparked intrigue and debate among fans and experts alike.

Also READ: BCCI announces India squad for ODI World Cup 2023

Bangar picks a spin-dominated bowling attack

Speaking in a candid interview on Star Sports, Bangar provided valuable insights into his thought process while selecting the playing XI, taking into account the pitch conditions in Chennai, which are expected to favour spin bowlers. Bangar’s XI choices reflect a well-thought-out strategy aimed at securing victory against the formidable Australian side.

In the bowling department, Bangar’s selections revealed his preference for spin. He opted for Hardik Pandya as the third seamer, a decision that sees him favor Axar Patel over Shardul Thakur. Bangar placed his faith in the pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah to lead the fast-bowling attack. The former India cricketer also included Ravindra Jadeja as the all-rounder and Kuldeep Yadav as the specialist spinner to exploit the spin-friendly conditions.

Ishan Kishan over KL Rahul in Bangar’s XI

When it comes to the batting order, Bangar’s choices underscored his reliance on experience and promising talent. His preferred top-order batsmen include Rohit, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer, a formidable quartet capable of anchoring the innings and providing explosive firepower when needed.

In a noteworthy decision, Bangar went against the popular sentiment by opting for Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper-batter over KL Rahul. This selection reflects Bangar’s confidence in Kishan’s ability to deliver match-winning performances on the grand stage.

Also READ: 7 Indian players from last ODI World Cup who couldn’t find a place in the 2023 CWC squad

Sanjay Bangar’s Indian XI for the clash against Australia:

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

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Vikram Rathour, the former Indian opener, will be replacing Sanjay Bangar as Team India’s new batting coach. Bharath Arun and R. Sridhar will retain their job of bowling and fielding coaches respectively.

The All India Senior Selection committee led by MSK Prasad has shortlisted three names each for all the support staff positions and the top names in each category will be appointed after the formalities are complete.

The 50-year-old Rathour featured in 6 Tests and 7 ODIs for India but was a domestic heavyweight for Punjab. He till a few years back was a senior national selector under Sandeep Patil’s chairmanship.

He earlier applied for NCA batting consultant and U-19 batting coach’s position but his application was put on hold as his brother-in-law Ashish Kapoor is the chairman of the U-19 selection committee.

“Vikram Rathour has got enough experience and we are convinced with his skill sets (as a coach). We will ask him to declare if he has any conflict,” BCCI CEO Rahul Johri said to the reporters.

As per the recommendations of the selection committee, Team India’s current batting coach Sanjay Bangar came second while former England batsman Mark Ramprakash was third.

“The team management had their own views but looking ahead, we felt there should be some freshness in the support staff,” Johri said.

Meanwhile, former Mumbai Indians physio Nitin Patel, who was part of the support staff during the 2011 World Cup campaign, is back while Englishman Luke Woodhouse has been appointed as the strength and conditioning (trainer) coach.

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