NEW DELHI
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has showered praise on Ashish Nehra, describing the Gujarat Titans head coach as a “football-style” manager who never sits still. Harbhajan highlighted Nehra’s unique, high-energy approach during IPL matches, noting how his constant movement and communication have become the secret sauce for his team’s massive success.
According to Harbhajan, Nehra’s greatest strength is his incredible man-management. He explained that wherever Nehra goes, he makes everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. This infectious positive energy has helped keep the Gujarat Titans united since they joined the league in 2022. Unlike traditional cricket coaches who often watch from the dugout, Nehra is frequently seen pacing the boundary, offering real-time advice to his players.
“He is like a football coach,” Harbhajan remarked during an interview. “He never sits down. Throughout the entire match, he finds a player to talk to and share his deep understanding of the game.” This hands-on style has clearly worked, as Nehra led the Titans to an IPL trophy in their very first season and has kept them as top contenders ever since.
Beyond the tactics, Harbhajan called Nehra one of the finest human beings in the sport. By creating a dressing room that balances a relaxed atmosphere with a sharp focus on winning, Nehra has redefined coaching in the T20 era. Fans and players alike now recognize “Nehra Ji” as the tactical heartbeat of the Gujarat franchise.