Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has made a huge statement ahead of the IPL 2026. He has said that last year’s runners up can go with just three overseas players in their playing XI. He made this statement during a discussion on Star Sports were Sanjay Bangar was asked to pick his playing XI for PBKs and he was optimistic about the chances of Punjab Kings for the upcoming edition. Here is his complete statement.
Speaking to Star Sports he said “I have full belief that they are a very strong contender to reach the playoffs. This squad has so much ability that they can enter the ground with three overseas as a playing XI. If I talk about the batting order, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer at No. 3, Nehal Wadhera at No. 4, Marcus Stoinis at No. 5, and then Shashank Singh at No. 6," the former Indian batting coach said.
"Marco Jansen at No. 7, Harpreet Brar at No. 8, Yuzvendra Chahal at No. 9, Lockie Ferguson at No. 10, and then Arshdeep Singh. That makes it the XI. I have kept only three overseas here. When the bowling comes, you can use another overseas fast bowler, which will make the bowling very strong, or else Azmatullah Omarzai can also be used," he added
Punjab Kings had an excellent season last time around. Shreyas Iyer led side were excellent in the group stages and were one of the most consistent teams. Unfortunately they suffered a defeat in the Final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
They have retained most of their squad for the upcoming season and will be looking to go one step further this time around as they are eyeing their maiden IPL title. Ricky Ponting will return as coach while Shreyas Iyer continues as captain. The only major change in their squad will be the absence of Glenn Maxwell who was released by the team.
Sanjay Bangar's Playing XI for Punjab Kings
Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh
