Published: April 19, 2026 at 10:54 am
Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra is a different breed among the cricket coaches. Unlike the other coaches, Nehra is not one to sit in the dugout and watch the action. He is more like a football coach who is communicating with the players non-stop. He is so involved in the game that it is difficult for him to sit on the sidelines and twiddle his fingers. He has to be in the thick of action.
“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. One of the finest human beings you will ever meet. If you are with him, you are guaranteed to have a good time. 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,” said former India player Harbhajan Singh on JioHotstar’s Champions Waali Commentary.
Raina highlights the sacrifices of Kartik, Ashok
Another former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina spoke of the hard work and sacrifices behind the success of Kartik Tyagi and Ashok Sharma. “Kartik Tyagi has worked very hard on his game. He was injured last year, but he made a strong comeback and bowled very well in season two of the UPT20 League. His fitness and work ethic are excellent and that hard work is now paying off. Picked by KKR in the mini-auction, he has become their strike bowler,” Raina said.
Ashok Sharma is showcasing his talent for Gujarat Titans on the biggest stage in T20 cricket, says Suresh Raina. Pics: BCCI
“Then there is Ashok Sharma, the new bowling find of this TATA IPL season. His elder brother gave up his own cricket dreams because the family could not afford to support both. The elder brother sacrificed so Ashok could chase his dream. Now the results are there for all to see. Ashok Sharma is showing his talent for Gujarat Titans on the biggest stage in T20 cricket. Both these young fast bowlers are a great sign for Indian cricket. The future of India’s pace attack looks very promising,” he added.
Kartik shortened his stride: Umesh
Pacer Umesh Yadav spoke about the changes Kartik made in his game to counter injury problems. “Injuries are a part of every fast bowler’s journey. Bowling at 145-150 kmph is not easy on the body. Kartik Tyagi has made several changes to his game to manage his injury issues. He has fixed his bowling action and worked on his run-up,” Yadav said.
Kartik Tyagi has made several changes to his game to manage his injury issues. He has fixed his bowling action and worked on his run-up,” said Umesh Yadav
“I remember when I first met him in 2021. His stride was very long. But later, he shortened it. He also had recurring shin problems and had to deal with a lot of pain. Because of that, he missed many matches and was often forced to sit out. But now, look at him. He is leading KKR’s bowling attack. All those changes have clearly helped Kartik Tyagi a lot. It is great to see a young Indian fast bowler fight back like this,” he added.
