Related Articles
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has lauded Gujarat Titans (GT) head coach Ashish Nehra, calling him the ideal candidate to coach the Indian men’s national team. Harbhajan’s praise comes amid GT’s dominant performance in the ongoing IPL 2025 season, where the Nehra-led side currently tops the table with six wins from eight games.
Ashish Nehra’s leadership and tactical acumen have received widespread recognition ever since GT’s debut season in 2022, where the team clinched the IPL trophy under his mentorship. His consistent success with a relatively young franchise has sparked conversations about his potential role with Team India.
Table of content
Harbhajan’s Bold Suggestion
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan Singh did not mince words while endorsing Nehra:
“I think there is no better coach than him for the Indian team in the present scenario. He is a very great coach. If BCCI wants, it should ask him whether he wants to work with the Indian team or not. I don’t think he will agree because he won’t be able to give that much time. But there is no better option than him.”
The veteran spinner praised Nehra for infusing energy and clarity into GT’s setup, emphasizing how the team always looks prepared and mentally strong under his watch.
“Well done, Ashish Nehra. From the day he joined, he has breathed life into this team. Every year this team comes prepared. People say that a left-arm spinner can’t bowl to left-handed batters, or that an off-spinner can’t bowl to right-handed batters, but Ashish Nehra’s bowlers have done it all. It is about the mindset, and this is what Ashish Nehra brings.”
Reviving Siraj’s Form
Nehra’s influence has extended beyond strategy and into man-management, with GT’s Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki crediting the coach for reviving pacer Mohammed Siraj’s confidence. The speedster, who was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru and overlooked for India’s Champions Trophy squad, has made a strong statement this IPL season.
Siraj has bagged 11 wickets in seven matches, including a standout 4/17 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His resurgence has been one of the key storylines for GT’s campaign.
“There is no doubt that Ashish has been a big influence. They obviously have a very good connection,” Solanki said. “As far as confidence is concerned, there is probably no better coach, I don’t think, than Ashish Nehra in instilling some confidence in players. I might be slightly biased, of course, as far as that view is concerned. So, I’ll acknowledge that.”
Solanki emphasized that Nehra’s belief in Siraj has been crucial in turning the tide for the bowler, who is now once again being talked about as a top contender for the national side.
“It just seems as though we’ve got a guy that has something to prove… He’s obviously disappointed as any cricketer is when they’re not selected. Everybody wants to play at the highest level possible. So, I’m sure he was disappointed.”
“But he’s channelled that disappointment in working hard and, I suppose, having a real thought about what he wants to do. And he’s got a great coach in Ashish Nehra just helping him as far as his performance is concerned. So, long may that continue. Long may that connection continue. And long may Siraj continue to thrive.”
A Coach of the Modern Era
Ashish Nehra’s coaching philosophy has been praised for being modern, intuitive, and player-centric. Known for his calm demeanor and sharp cricketing brain, Nehra is seen as someone who understands the evolving nature of the game and brings out the best in his players without resorting to outdated or rigid methods.
Under his leadership, GT has developed into a team with depth, flexibility, and resilience — traits that reflect Nehra’s own journey as a cricketer.
Will Nehra Take Up the India Role?
While Harbhajan’s backing is strong, Nehra’s willingness to take up a full-time national coaching role remains uncertain. The former pacer has previously expressed a preference for working in franchise cricket, which offers more flexibility and less year-round travel.
However, if the BCCI were to make a formal approach, Nehra’s name will undoubtedly be one of the top contenders, especially if India is looking for a fresh, modern face to lead the dressing room into the next generation.
