Former spinner Harbhajan Singh has tipped Ashish Nehra as the best coach for the senior Indian men’s cricket team. His assessment comes amidst Gujarat Titans’ (GT) stunning display in the ongoing IPL 2025 under Nehra’s guidance.
The Nehra-coached GT are currently leading the 10-team points table with six wins in eight matches. With the former left-arm pacer at helm, the Titans had already clinched the IPL title in their debut season in 2022.
"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," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
"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."
Nehra has been a "big influence" in reviving the sagging morale of fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who was sidelined from India's white-ball setup following the BGT 2024-25 debacle, feels GT’s Director of Cricket, Vikram Solanki.
Siraj has claimed 11 wickets in seven matches so far, just three behind the Purple Cap holder -- Prasidh Krishna. His season-best figures of 4/17 came against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
"There is no doubt that Ashish has been a big influence. They obviously have a very good connection," Solanki said on the eve of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Apart from being left out of the Champions Trophy squad, Siraj was also released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the mega auction. But Gujarat Titans showed faith in him and signed him for Rs 12.25 crore.
"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 said.
"But 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.”
(With PTI Inputs)
