Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar said that Shubman Gill performed as well as Virat Kohli in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. India had a tough series, with senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli missing from the team. Still, the new Indian batting lineup stepped up and played well, dominating the English bowlers in their own home.

Bangar also pointed out that Yashasvi Jaiswal filled Rohit Sharma’s place and showed his talent in English conditions. With senior players stepping down from the Test format, Gill, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja performed strongly. All three scored more than 500 runs in the series.

Batting at No. 4 for the first time in his career, Shubman Gill finished as the top run-scorer in the series with 754 runs at an average of over 75, including four centuries. He also broke many records, including becoming India’s highest scorer in an innings in England with his 269 runs in the second Test at Edgbaston.

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Gill and Jaiswal filled big shoes, says Bangar

Talking about how India coped with the absence of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar said on ESPN Cricinfo:

"Who were they replacing? If you look at the No. 4 spot, Shubman Gill has done as good as Virat Kohli could have done. And who has taken Rohit Sharma's place? It is Yashasvi Jaiswal, and he has also had an equally good series to show for. Because Gill and Jaiswal got the runs, the Indian team never missed the services of Rohit and Virat."

India still searching for a fast-bowling all-rounder

Bangar also said India may continue to try different lineups in Tests due to the lack of a proper fast-bowling all-rounder. "The Indian management has prioritised that over the last three to four seasons. But you want to have a fast-bowling all-rounder, and if India gets that, then the combination will settle itself. Till then, you’ll always have these question marks," he said.

India did not play spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the series. Instead, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were picked as spin-bowling options because they are also good batters.

A new side of KL Rahul

Bangar also praised KL Rahul for his solid performance in the series. He said Rahul showed a new level of focus and helped Shubman Gill during difficult moments.

"He certainly looked the part and added to whatever he has done as a batsman by playing a lot of balls and being very consistent. His slip catching was good, and he supported Gill well. You could also see a new side of KL Rahul—he was more involved, talking to opponents and umpires at times," Bangar said.

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has recently mentioned that Yashasvi Jaiswal is as good as Virender Sehwag and that both of them have changed the energy of the Indian dressing room in Test cricket. While talking with ESPNcricinfo, Bangar recounted how Sehwag’s aggressive starts would energize the team and said that with Jaiswal’s attacking approach, he gets a similar flame.

Jaiswal played a key role in India’s second innings on the third day of the last Test against England at The Oval, where he made 118 off 164 balls with 14 fours and two sixes. His knock helped India post a total of 396 in just 88 overs and set the tone for the rest of the match. The left-handed batsman had now scored two centuries in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, giving himself a solid base at the top.

Bangar said, "I remember when Virender Sehwag used to give those starts; things looked different in the dressing room. The entire energy of the dressing room changed. It’s not only the impact that he has for himself, but also makes the job easier for the batsmen to follow. That’s the value of the contribution that he gives at the start when he bats aggressively."

Jaiswal's maturity and record-breaking knock earn praise

The former coach also applauded Jaiswal’s maturity during his partnership with nightwatchman Akash Deep, who scored a surprising 66. Bangar acknowledged how Jaiswal showed restraint and played with control to guide the lower-order batter.

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"When he bats in a slightly controlled manner, you could also see that he can bring the best out of a lower-order batter, which he did with Akash Deep," he added. Jaiswal’s ton at The Oval was also notable historically, as it stands as India’s 12th individual century in the series—equaling the all-time record for the most hundreds by a team in a Test series. The only other teams to achieve this were Australia (1955), Pakistan (1982–83), and South Africa (2003–04).

Former Team India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that Washington Sundar has the potential to take over the role currently played by Ravindra Jadeja in the Test side once the veteran all-rounder retires. Bangar lauded Sundar’s growth, particularly in his batting, and said the young all-rounder has expanded his scoring options since debuting for India. He emphasized that Sundar has developed into a player capable of fulfilling a versatile and crucial role in the Test setup.

Sundar has impressed in the ongoing Test series in England. After scoring an unbeaten 101 off 206 balls in Manchester—an innings that helped India save the Test—he continued his fine form with a rapid 53 off just 46 deliveries in the second innings of the Oval Test on Saturday (August 2). According to Bangar, the contrasting styles of Sundar’s two recent knocks are a testament to his range and adaptability as a batter.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bangar said: "When the time comes, when he moves on, you certainly have a player who can very quickly progress in the role that Jadeja is doing for the team now." he added: "What you saw in the last-wicket partnership was striking abilities of Washington Sundar. Initially, he had restrictive areas to score. He was very strong through the off side—whatever I remember of him in the earlier times. But, he has developed a very good leg side game as well. He has opened up scoring areas."

Sundar proving his all-round value in England

Bangar further praised Sundar’s intent and mindset, especially during his attacking knock at The Oval.
"The very fact that he had that mindset of helping India to extend that lead and play in that cavalier manner means here is a guy who is willing to do various things for his team," he added.

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As the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy continues, Sundar's contributions with both bat and ball have been substantial. In eight innings, he has scored 284 runs at an average of 47.33, with one century and one fifty. He has taken seven wickets at 35.85, his best being 4/22 at Lord's. His contributions have come alongside useful contributions from Jaiswal (118), Jadeja (53), Akash Deep (66), and Dhruv Jurel (34) in India's second innings at the Oval.

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has backed the team management’s selection decisions for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at The Oval. The 52-year-old endorsed the inclusion of Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna in the playing XI, calling them the “right picks” for the conditions. With Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj left out, and Rishabh Pant unavailable due to injury, Bangar believed the team had made thoughtful and tactical choices.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bangar said, “I think those were the right picks because Akash Deep has been quite effective, not only in England but also in the Test matches he played in Australia. At The Oval, you would want a Prasidh Krishna to play because of his extra bounce. A very important match for Prasidh Krishna because he was somebody who was not picked in the last match, and Anshul Kamboj was preferred over him when he was fit and available.” Akash Deep had missed the fourth Test at Old Trafford due to injury, while Krishna, who played the first two Tests, was replaced by Bumrah at Lord's.

India made four changes to the XI for the series decider. Bangar felt that the combination of factors—Pant's absence, the underperformance of the pace-bowling all-rounder, and the green pitch at The Oval—led to the team’s final selection. He noted these elements likely influenced the exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav and the preference for a more seam-friendly setup.

Multiple Factors Influenced India’s Final XI

“I think it is a combination of many factors, not one or two,” Bangar said. “So what am I looking at? 1. The unavailability of Rishabh Pant, who has scored a lot of runs in the series. He wasn't available. Secondly, maybe the Indian team would have thought of what the pace bowling all-rounder was actually giving them, and if he is not giving them what they are expecting, then I think they also see an opportunity at The Oval to bowl a few more overs of spin and not have that option of the sixth bowler affect the decision-making process.”

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He added, “The thing about the green tinge at The Oval would have meant that any thoughts of playing Kuldeep would have gone away with that. I see the combination of all those three factors that have gone into the thinking of what combination India is playing.” Throughout the series, India has consistently opted for batting depth over a pure five-bowler approach, with Washington Sundar preferred over Kuldeep Yadav as the second spinner.

India’s inspiring drawn result during the fourth Test of the five-match series against England at the Kennington Oval in South London gave the visitors a chance to reflect on their performance and end the series on a high with the drawn series result at 2-2. But the biggest concern for them will be the combination of the sides.

Jasprit Bumrah must play, given that he will have another three months to recover after this fixture before the home series against South Africa or the away series in Australia. But will we get full strength back in three days, while Mohammed Siraj looked dead on his feet by the end of his spell in Manchester? The former coach of the side, Sanjay Bangar, has shed light on the team’s playing eleven for the London Test.

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‘The team will leave Manchester, and when they reach London, perhaps, in the evening, they will start discussing the fifth game. But one thing is certain: a new wicket-keeper will come. I don’t think it will be the right thing to play with Anshul Kamboj because all the pacers are fit. Akash Deep may return while they have an option in Arshdeep Singh.’ Bangar said during an interaction on Star Sports.

Watch: Sanjay Bangar discusses India's predicted combination for ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval

Bangar felt that one wicket-keeper would replace Rishabh Pant for the final game after the Delhi batter got ruled out of the final clash with a broken foot injury. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar have confirmed their places with individual centuries, and that will put only one question on the number eight.

With everything to play for in the 5th Test, what will be #TeamIndia’s bowling combination after a marathon 4th Test? 🤔👀

Experts dissect the options available!#ENGvIND 👉 5th TEST | Starts THU, 31st July, 2:30 PM | Streaming on JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/Fa8Sd4xcL5

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 29, 2025

‘But it’s hard to understand the probable team combination. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar have cemented their places. You have to have a wicket-keeper. That makes it seven players. So, who will be at number eight? I think whether it will be Kuldeep Yadav or Shardul Thakur is the only decision Shubman and Gautam will need to take.’ The former Indian batter addressed.

During the last trip to England, India had the chance to win the series but couldn’t after the home side’s Bazball victory at Edgbaston. Now, the visitors have a chance to draw the series. Will they earn success in this mission after taking inspiration from Old Trafford?

Thanks to captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul’s unbeaten partnership of 174 runs for the third wicket after losing both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan in the opening over against Chris Woakes at Old Trafford in Manchester. At one point, it felt like the game would finish by the end of the day, but both showed resilience.

The former Indian batting coach, Sanjay Bangar, has expressed that both the right-handed batters had displayed excellent character during difficult conditions when the ball seamed and swung in cloudy conditions, as Ben Stokes tried various plans to break the stand.

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‘Even coming into the England conditions, the opening partnership has worked brilliantly, along with the top order, is for the contribution of KL Rahul, who plays the new ball. Shubman Gill also did that because they lost two wickets in the opening over. He played the early overs beautifully when the ball was swinging much, and there was uneven bounce.’ Bangar expressed during a recent interaction on Star Sports.

Watch: Sanjay Bangar reflects on Shubman Gill and KL Rahul’s partnership in ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

Gill remained unbeaten on 78 runs in 167 balls, shouldering on 167 balls, shouldering on 10 boundaries at a strike rate of 46.71. On the other hand, Rahul drilled 87 runs in 210 balls, with eight boundaries at 41.43.

Early setback ➡️ Solid comeback!#SanjayBangar lauds the resilience, grit & character showed by @ShubmanGill & @klrahul on Day 4 of the Manchester Test! 💪🏻

Will they continue to wear down England and take #TeamIndia to safety? 👀#ENGvIND 👉 4th TEST, DAY 5 | SUN, 27th JULY,… pic.twitter.com/yYTVRqem9f

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 27, 2025

‘There were short ball plans, and I was invited to play the big shots. But they still held their concentrations. When the boundaries were dried up for over 20 overs, they didn’t lose their character, resilience, and grit, and put up an attractive partnership between them.’ Bangar addressed.

Ben Stokes didn’t bowl for England in the second innings as he was struggling with a hamstring injury. Marcus Trescothick, the batting coach of the England side, remained hopeful of the pacer returning in full rhythm on the fifth day. Another part for the home side will be to break the stand before the second new ball arrives, which will open the gate for them to smell victory and earn the series before Kennington Oval.

Sanjay Bangar's surprise pick for the number 3 spot in India's Test batting lineup. While a part of cricket fans like to see Karun Nair or Subhman Gill at that particular position, Bangar thinks in different ways. He dismissed both the batters from the No. 3 spot against England.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent two different sets of teams to the UK for preparations—India 'A' and the main squad. The five-match series will start on June 20, and before that, the team management has to find the right combination.

Filling up the void created by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be crucial for the officials, especially when there are multiple contenders for one position. Among the cricket fans and pundits, the main talking points are around the opening spot and the number 4 position, where Sharma and Kohli played for years. But number 3 is also a pivotal position; it was a spot where Cheteshwar Pujara used to play.

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The former batting coach of Team India preferred to utilize the newly appointed captain, Shubman Gill, at Number 4, the place vacated by Virat. 

"I think none of them in my book (possibilities of Gill or Karun at No. 3). If at all Karun is playing, he would bat slightly lower down the order. All indications are that Shubman Gill may bat at No. 4. So, the toss-up at No. 3 is going to be between Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Easwaran also got a good score in one of the practice matches they played," Sanjay Bangar said.

Karun Nair as a lower-middle order batter?

The cricketer-turned-expert reckoned Nair as a lower-order batter. He chose Gill at 4, Rishabh Pant at 5, and then Nair, who scored a wonderful double century against the England Lions. 

"I don’t think there is going to be any difference there. One of those two will play at No. 3. No. 4 will be Shubman Gill, No. 5 will be Rishabh Pant, and No. 6 will be Karun Nair. That’s my understanding of the situation," said Bangar.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to brawl with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 at New Chandigarh on May 29 after a thrilling contest with Lucknow Super Giants, where Rishabh Pant's confident century went in vain in front of RCB's team game.

RCB has been performing steadily from the beginning of IPL 2025; batting and bowling development looks solid, but former team India cricketer Sanjay Bangar advised them to make some changes in the playing XI before stepping into the field to face a strong team like Punjab Kings.

As per previous reports, Josh Hazelwood can play in the playoffs, which will strengthen RCB's bowling lineup. Bangar suggested multiple changes, including dropping out Liam Livingston to utilize Nuwan Thushara, who impressed against LSG with a 1/26 bowling figure.

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Punjab Kings has a deep-lying, in-form batting line-up, including Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, and captain Shreyas Iyer himself. The former cricketer turned commentator preferred Thushara over Livingston for mainly two reasons: 1) Livingston so far underperformed in IPL 2025, getting only 87 runs in seven innings, including a first-ball duck against LSG, and 2) an extra bowling option against PBKS's batting attack. 

Bangar backed his thoughts with proper reasons

"Livingstone, who is playing as an overseas batter, is not scoring runs. So, make your bowling totally strong. I feel that the combination can be made," Bangar said on Star Sports.

 "Play Thushara in place of Livingstone. Then the bowling will become incredible. Then Phil Salt, Thushara, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David for Romario Shepherd. The Punjab team is against them, and Punjab has crossed 200 runs six or seven times this season."

IPL 2025 playoff fixtures

Qualifier 1, May 29: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Mullanpur

Eliminator, May 30: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians - Mullanpur

Qualifier 2, June 1: Qualifier 1 loser vs Eliminator winner - Ahmedabad

Final, June 3: Qualifier 1 winner vs Qualifier 2 winner - Ahmedabad

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are ready to take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in an important IPL 2025 match on Sunday, April 27, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The points are not the only thing at stake, but also the bragging rights between two superstar batters, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.

In their previous meeting earlier this month, Rahul lit up the Chinnaswamy Stadium with a sublime unbeaten 93 off 53 balls, guiding Delhi to a memorable six-wicket win. His "Kantara" celebration, signaling Bengaluru as his "home turf," quickly went viral. Now, it's Kohli's turn on his actual home ground, with RCB coach Sanjay Bangar teasing that Kohli might just deliver a fitting response.

“I think Virat would do it a little bit differently. I think he will show that, 'OK, that pavilion in which you're sitting, it's mine'. Who's the boss? Virat is the boss there,” Bangar said on Star Sports. With the Arun Jaitley Stadium housing the iconic ‘Virat Kohli Pavilion,’ Kohli certainly has the perfect stage set.

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Kohli and Rahul Set for a Blockbuster Battle as Playoff Race Heats Up for their Teams 

Both players have been in phenomenal touch this season. Kohli has hit 392 runs in nine games at 65.33 average and a strike rate of 144.11, closing on the Orange Cap. KL Rahul is not far behind either, with 323 runs from seven games, finding a balance between consistency and his newly found aggressive style.

Apart from the individual war, the game is of gigantic significance in the playoff situation. DC and RCB share 12 points each, with Delhi positioned above them in net run rate. Bengaluru can potentially become the league leaders with a win that would seal their playoff push. Fans can anticipate fireworks during the celebrations and with the bat as night falls in Delhi. The match between Kohli and Rahul is sure to be one of the highlights of the 2025 Indian Premier League, with pride, points, and a little playful retaliation on the line.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar's son Aryan Bangar, after a sex transformation now known as Anaya Bangar, shared some shocking experiences regarding gender change. In a recent interview, Anaya claimed, "Some cricketers, who have played cricket at a big level, sent me nude pictures."

A few months back, Anaya shared about the transformation process through social media posts. Followers are aware of the fact of how Aryan went through a text transformation process. In recent days, many people spoke and supported the sex transformation decision because this is about self-identity. Though, from Anaya's comment, it is clear that society needs more awareness about the fact that a gender transformation can be a decisive moment in a person's life. Because of the lack of awareness, the persons who went through gender transformation or are willing to transform his or her gender are facing difficulties in many ways. 

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Anaya shared, "Some cricketers, who have played cricket at a big level, sent me nude pictures. Just because they got to know about my trans identity, they were expecting something to happen after this. I didn't want anyone to look at me with bad intentions, so I avoided the whole situation. These people were never friends. And I don't want to say what platform this happened on, but it happened." 

In November last year, Anaya Bangar shared about her gender transition process through multiple stories and posts on Instagram. Her transition was widely discussed by netizens at that time. 

'They used to abuse me'

Like Sanjay, Anaya's career is also surrounded by cricket; in fact, she was on a journey to become a cricketer. But here also he gained some disturbing experiences. "Even when I was in the UK, some people were supportive. And the same people who supported me earlier changed later, and those who were against me from the beginning became even more against me. They used to abuse me in front of my teammates. They used to say, What is this trans-vans?" This is nothing; this is all nonsense. And then the same man would later come and sit next to me during the match and ask me for my pictures," Anaya said.