Sanjay Bangar Advocates for Harpreet Brar's Role in Punjab Kings' Strategy
Bangar's Endorsement of Harpreet Brar
Sanjay Bangar, a former all-rounder for India, emphasized the necessity for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to include spinner Harpreet Brar in every match, praising him as a "quality player" capable of effectively bowling to both left-handed and right-handed batsmen. The Punjab Kings, who were runners-up in 2025, will kick off their season against the Gujarat Titans on March 31 in New Chandigarh. Since joining PBKS in 2019, Brar has participated in 49 matches, securing 35 wickets with an average of 31.00, including a notable four-wicket haul. His performance last season was particularly impressive, where he took 10 wickets in eight matches, averaging 19.00 with an economy rate of 8.63, and achieving best figures of 3/22.
Bangar's Insights on Team Composition
During a discussion on JioHotstar's 'Game Plan - Know Your Team', Bangar mentioned that Yuzvendra Chahal would handle the middle overs. With Glenn Maxwell's departure after a disappointing season, Brar could provide valuable overs during the powerplay. Bangar recalled his time in the PBKS coaching staff, expressing strong confidence in Brar, a slow left-arm orthodox spinner who has taken 102 wickets in 105 T20 matches at an average of 23.79, including four four-wicket hauls. He stated, "I believe there is no pressure on Yuzi as he bowls in the middle overs. With Maxwell gone, who will be the powerplay spinner? I see Harpreet Brar as a quality option. He should not be selected solely based on match-ups; I had immense faith in his abilities when he played for Punjab. He consistently delivered, even against RCB, and he can handle both right-handers and left-handers effectively. He should be utilized in every match, possibly as an impact player."
Brar's Impressive Domestic Performance
Brar has recently showcased his skills in domestic cricket, taking 23 wickets in four matches at an average of 21.26, including two five-wicket hauls in the Ranji Trophy, with best figures of 6/38. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India's premier state-level T20 tournament, he claimed 15 wickets in nine matches at an average of 15.73 and an economy rate of 8.13, featuring a four-wicket haul. Additionally, he made a few appearances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) for Punjab, where he took one wicket in four matches.
Concerns Regarding Opening Pair
Bangar also highlighted the significance of Punjab's opening duo, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, both of whom had breakout seasons in the IPL last year. Arya scored 475 runs in 17 innings with a strike rate exceeding 179, including a century and two fifties, while Prabhsimran amassed 549 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate over 160, with four fifties. However, Bangar expressed concerns about Arya's performance following a quieter domestic season with Delhi. In eight VHT matches, he scored 344 runs at an average of 49.14, with a strike rate of 163.80, including four fifties. In the Ranji Trophy, he scored 131 runs in three matches at an average of 43.67, with a top score of 82. Unfortunately, his performance in the SMAT was disappointing, with only 197 runs in seven innings at an average of 28.14, and just one fifty. Bangar noted that Arya must manage the expectations of leading the top order and lessen the team's reliance on overseas players.
Assessment of Prabhsimran Singh
Bangar remarked, "Prabhsimran Singh has been a consistent performer for several years. He scored a century in the IPL a couple of seasons ago and has been a regular player for Punjab. The franchise has shown faith in him, retaining him as an uncapped player. Therefore, I don't foresee any second-season blues for Prabhsimran."
Potential Challenges for Arya
He added, "Priyansh Arya was a remarkable discovery for the Punjab Kings. His batting ensured that the team didn't have to rely on overseas top-order batsmen, which raises questions about how he will handle the pressure this season, especially after a subdued domestic performance. If he starts strong, it may not be an issue, but a series of low scores could lead to doubts about the opening combination."
Punjab Kings' Complete Squad for IPL 2026
The complete squad for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026 includes: Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Pannu, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Owen, Musheer Khan, Nehal Wadhera, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Shashank Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Cooper Connolly (Rs 3 Cr), Pravin Dubey (Rs 30 lakh), Vishal Nishad (Rs 30 lakh), and Ben Dwarshuis (Rs 4.40 Cr).