Ashish Nehra like a football coach, keeps everyone united in GT: Harbhajan Singh
IPL 2026: Harbhajan Singh praised Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra for his energetic, football-coach-like style and ability to keep the team united and comfortable, crediting him as a key force behind the franchise's strong culture and success.
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh heaped praise on Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra, crediting him for fostering a united and focused team environment. His remarks come after Gujarat Titans’ five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders, which propelled them into the top four after five matches this season.
The comments highlight the growing influence of Nehra’s coaching style as Gujarat Titans continue to evolve into one of the Indian Premier League’s most consistent sides. “Ashish Nehra is the only person who makes the atmosphere comfortable anywhere, anytime. Wherever he goes, he makes everyone around him feel at ease. Not just himself, but everyone who works with him,” Harbhajan said on JioStar.
Nehra, a former India international, has been instrumental in shaping Gujarat Titans since the franchise’s debut in 2022, guiding them to a title in their very first season. His hands-on, player-centric approach has often been credited for building a cohesive unit, where communication and clarity of roles remain central to the team’s success.
“His biggest contribution to Gujarat Titans is keeping everyone united. That is Ashish Nehra. He is like a football coach. He never sits still. Throughout the entirety of a match, he will find a player and keep talking to him. Nehra ji has a great understanding of the game. The work he has done with Gujarat Titans is commendable.”
RESURGENCE DRIVEN BY GILL AND BUTTLER
Gujarat Titans’ recent rise in the standings has been fueled by strong individual performances, particularly from captain Shubman Gill. The young skipper led from the front with a composed 86 off 50 balls in the win over Kolkata, anchoring the chase and ensuring his side crossed the line with two balls to spare.
After a shaky start to the season with two consecutive losses, Gujarat Titans turned things around dramatically, beginning with a narrow one-run victory over Delhi Capitals that reignited their campaign. The momentum has since carried forward, with the team showing improved balance and confidence.
Another key factor has been the return to form of wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, who has been impactful in the middle order. With 201 runs in five matches at an average of 40.20 and a strike rate nearing 160, Buttler has added stability and firepower, complementing Gill’s consistency at the top. GT next hosts a struggling Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium on April 20.
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