Sanjay Bangar Advocates for Harpreet Brar's Inclusion in Every Punjab Kings Match
Former India cricketer and batting coach Sanjay Bangar has made a strong case for Punjab Kings to feature left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar in every match of the upcoming Indian Premier League season. Bangar emphasized Brar's versatility, noting his ability to trouble both right- and left-handed batters effectively.
Brar's Impressive IPL and Domestic Performance
Harpreet Brar enters the new season on the back of a standout domestic campaign with Punjab. In the Ranji Trophy, he claimed 23 wickets across just four matches, boasting an impressive average of 21.26, which included two five-wicket hauls and a best of 6/38. His form extended to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he secured 15 wickets in nine matches at an average of 15.73 and an economy rate of 8.13, alongside one four-wicket haul. Although his Vijay Hazare Trophy outing was quieter with one wicket in four matches, his overall domestic record underscores his readiness for the IPL stage.
In the IPL, Brar has been a consistent performer for Punjab Kings since his debut in 2019. Over 49 matches, he has taken 35 wickets at an average of 31.00, including one four-wicket haul. The 2025 season marked his most productive yet, as he captured 11 wickets in eight matches at an average of 19.00 and an economy rate of 8.63, with best figures of 3/22. This performance helped Punjab Kings reach the runners-up position last year, and they are set to kick off their 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 31 at New Chandigarh.
Bangar's Strategic Insights on Brar's Role
Speaking on JioHotstar, Sanjay Bangar highlighted Brar's potential to fill a crucial gap in the Punjab Kings bowling attack. With the release of Glenn Maxwell, who provided valuable overs during the powerplay, Bangar identified Brar as the ideal candidate to step into this role. He expressed confidence in Brar's abilities, rooted in his time working with the Punjab setup, where Brar consistently delivered when given the ball.
"I do not think there's pressure on Yuzi as such because he bowls in the middle overs. They have released Glenn Maxwell, who gave them important overs in the powerplay. So who is going to be the powerplay spinner? That's where I think Harpreet Brar is a quality player. Do not play him just for match-ups because, when I was part of that setup, I had tremendous confidence in his abilities. Whenever he was given the ball for Punjab, he did the job. So play Harpreet Brar, maybe as an impact player, but play him in every match," Bangar stated.
Brar's overall T20 record further supports this recommendation, with 102 wickets in 105 matches at an average of 23.79, including four four-wicket hauls, demonstrating his reliability in the shortest format.
Focus on Punjab Kings' Opening Pair
Bangar also addressed the opening combination of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, both of whom had strong seasons in 2025. Priyansh Arya scored 475 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate above 179, featuring a century and two fifties, while Prabhsimran Singh amassed 549 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate over 160, with four fifties. Their performances were pivotal in Punjab's success last season.
However, Bangar noted a potential challenge for Priyansh Arya, who had a relatively quiet domestic season. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he managed 344 runs in eight innings at an average of 49.14 and a strike rate of 163.80, with four fifties. His Ranji Trophy outing saw 131 runs in three matches at an average of 43.67, and in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 197 runs in seven innings at an average of 28.14 and a strike rate above 155, with one fifty. Bangar suggested that Priyansh's start to the IPL season will be crucial in managing expectations and solidifying the opening partnership.
"Prabhsimran Singh has been around for many years now. He has got a hundred in the IPL as well, a couple of seasons ago, and has been playing regularly for Punjab. Punjab has persisted with him. He was one of their retentions as an uncapped player as well. So I do not think the second-season blues are there for Prabhsimran," Bangar commented. "But Priyansh Arya, what a find he was for Punjab Kings. It was his batting which made sure that Punjab never looked to use their overseas top-order batter, and that is the reason I feel there could be a little bit of mystery around how Priyansh Arya copes with these expectations, because, so far in domestic cricket, I think he had a quiet season. We will have to see how he starts the season. If he starts the season really well, then I do not think it is going to be an issue, but if he has a run of low scores, then there could be some question marks about that opening combination."
As Punjab Kings prepare for their opening match, the insights from Sanjay Bangar underscore the strategic importance of players like Harpreet Brar in their quest for IPL glory. With a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, the team aims to build on their runners-up finish from last season.
