Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill wants his fast bowlers to execute with the same intensity and ferocity that former India pacer Ashish Nehra did during his playing days, ahead of the IPL 2026 season.  

Nehra was known for his fire pace and on-field intensity, and he never held back when there were misfields or missed catches, often shouting and even cursing. Many of Nehra's old bowling videos are still popular among fans, even though he is now the head coach of the Gujarat Titans.

One well-known clip shows Nehra yelling at MS Dhoni. Dhoni drew Nehra's fury during an ODI against archrival Pakistan in 2005. His aggressiveness and shouted orders, which kept fielders on their toes, are still well received.

During an interview with host and TV personality Mandira Bedi at GT’s Shubharambh 2026 event, Gill stated that he wants Nehra-like intensity from his pace attack in IPL 2026.

"I do not want my fast bowlers to be calm. I want them to be fierce just like Ashu Pa was. I'm sure you must have seen videos of how Ashu Pa acknowledged dropped catches when he was playing," Gill said during the event.

The Gujarat Titans' pace attack for the season features Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, Luke Wood, Prasidh Krishna, Ashok Sharma, and Jason Holder.

Notably, Prasidh finished the last season with the Purple Cap on his head, taking 25 scalps in 19 matches at an average of 19.52, with a four-wicket haul.

GT will be looking to win their second championship in just their fifth IPL season after losing to Mumbai Indians (MI) by 20 runs in the eliminator.

"Even last year, we had a very successful season. We did not win the trophy, but that does not take away from the brand of cricket we played. We are now here to rectify the mistakes we made last season. We did fall short in some of the things," he added.

GT will start their IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 31 at New Chandigarh.

(ANI/PTI inputs)