Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has urged Gujarat Titans (GT) to seriously consider an unconventional overseas-player strategy for the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Bangar believes that fielding only three overseas players at the start — if GT bowl first — could hand the franchise a crucial tactical edge in a match that could see totals north of 210.

The Three-Overseas Strategy Explained

'It's slightly out-of-the-box thinking, but can GT play with only three overseas players in their starting lineup when they're bowling first?' Bangar said on Jio Hotstar. The logic is straightforward: by holding back a fourth overseas slot, Gujarat retain the flexibility to introduce a specialist bat — specifically naming Glenn Phillips — if the chase demands it.

'If Rashid's overs are not required, they leave themselves the option of bringing in somebody like Glenn Phillips, which actually gives them a lot of batting strength, something you need when you're probably looking to chase down a score in excess of 210-220,' Bangar explained. He stopped short of predicting GT would adopt the move, adding: 'I don't think GT will go in that direction, but they should at least consider it.'

Sai Kishore as the Patidar Matchup

Bangar also spotlighted left-arm spinner Sai Kishore as a potential weapon against RCB captain Rajat Patidar, who has been instrumental in driving Bengaluru to a second consecutive final. 'He bowls those slower deliveries outside Patidar's hitting arc, and he also bowls with a lot of control against the left-handers,' Bangar said, suggesting GT's think-tank look closely at that matchup during their bowling plans.

Gill vs Bhuvneshwar: The Key Battle

Another contest Bangar identified as potentially decisive is the duel between GT captain Shubman Gill and veteran RCB seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Gill has been the cornerstone of Gujarat's campaign, steering the franchise from a difficult start to yet another final appearance.

Bangar's advice to Gill was measured: resist the temptation to advance down the track. 'Against Bhuvneshwar Kumar, I would not suggest batters to stand outside the crease or walk towards him because he's quite sharp. If he sees you dancing down the track, he can slip in that straightish short ball quite nicely,' he cautioned. 'He also has the knack of pulling his length back, and instead of swing, he can get the ball to seam around. So, I would say play from the crease, let the ball come to you, and play as late as possible,' he added.

What's at Stake in the Final

Gujarat Titans enter the summit clash looking to avenge a heavy 92-run defeat to RCB in Qualifier 1 earlier this week. For GT, Sunday represents a shot at their second IPL title. For defending champions RCB, victory would make them only the third franchise in IPL history to successfully retain the trophy — a milestone that underscores the magnitude of the occasion at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.