Coach Sanjay Bangar makes his mark

NEW DELHI: Coach Sanjay Bangar's singular contribution to Kings XI Punjab's success this season cannot be overstated.
Bangar was involved right from the embryonic stage of the revamped Punjab side and once the auctions were over in February, the list of names in the KXIP squad started generating a sense of anticipation.
Bangar's reputation as a coach only gained in stature during the tournament, with Virender Sehwag even comparing Bangar's calm influence with Gary Kirsten's earlier role with Team India.
It wasn't just about picking the swashbucklers in the Sehwags, Maxwells and the Johnsons. It was also about spotting the Shivam Sharmas, Karanveer Singhs and Akshar Patels and retaining Manan Vohra. Bangar's long years with the Railways first-class team and his keen knowledge of the Indian domestic scene no doubt helped.
Anureet Singh, the highest wicket-taker this Ranji season and a part of the KXIP set-up who made his first-class debut under Bangar's captaincy, says, "Sanjay bhaiya hasn't changed a bit despite having such a big role at an IPL franchise. He is still as calm as he was with Railways.
"Railways is a team of chot khaya hua ladkas (those who are hurt). Most of us didn't get to play for our states and Railways gave us jobs and a chance to play at the first-class level. After coach Abhay Sharma selected players, Sanjay bhaiya took over to get the most out of us. He always gave us a motive to improve our performances, saying, 'Take your frustrations out of not getting through your state team.' He kept backing us. His experience of pulling the Railways team to success at the Ranji level has helped him."
Manan Vohra, another KXIP success story, says, "Sanjay sir is a very steady man. All he told me was to wait for my turn and then deliver."
Anureet added, "He was equal to everybody. He didn't believe in special attention for overseas stars. If he had to speak about someone's game, he would do it in front of the entire team."
Team insiders say Bangar doesn't believe in fiddling with a player's game. "He will point out if I am doing something wrong. Otherwise, he won't be in my ears pointing out glitches. He believes in letting the player play with a free mind," Vohra said.
"He wouldn't let you feel any less confident about your game. The fact that I was trusted to do the job in the final gave me a real boost," said Awana.
Abhay Sharma, Bangar's coach at Railways for many years, however believes one shouldn't jump the gun in judging him as a coach.
"Only man-management makes it easy for you when you have a good team. Bangar is yet to be tested when players of bigger stature develop technical glitches and it will be seen how manages to iron out the chinks," Sharma told TOI.