Ashish Nehra-The Secret Behind Gujarat Titans' Success in IPL 2025

Ashish Nehra has been the surprise package in the coaching circle of IPL 2025. Famous for his signature bucket hat and fondness for tender coconut water, Nehra's approach to coaching is anything but what people would think from the outside. Under his easy-going demeanor lies one of the most cerebral minds in contemporary T20 cricket. Amidst a cricketing environment dominated by number games and strict plans, Nehra has stood out as one of those who combined old-school instincts with contemporary cricketing nous. This has gone a long way in helping Gujarat Titans transform into one of the most consistent and menacing teams in the league.

It happened very aptly that Nehra's leadership quality was more than well evident in the inaugural season of Gujarat Titans in 2022 when they surprised everyone by winning the title on their very first try, though they were painfully close to repeating the same in 2023. The team has always been in the running year after year. And now in 2025, in spite of initial skepticism and a couple of impulsive decisions by Nehra, Gujarat Titans are once again a force to be reckoned with. All this is due to Nehra's excellent leadership ability of handling his players, especially the pacers.

Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are two glaring testimonials of Nehra's coaching brilliance. None of these bowlers was considered an eventual star before IPL 2025. Siraj was out of form, and Krishna was returning after keeping away from competitive cricket for months. But due to Nehra's tutelage, both have been able to restore their fortunes. Siraj has got back into touch, and Krishna has been a revelation with his systematic approach.

Nobody could have predicted Siraj and Krishna taking the pace responsibility for Gujarat Titans before the start of the IPL season. Siraj, particularly, had struggled of late, his form dipped, and a string of below-par performances at international cricket. Krishna, on the contrary, was battling to regain a spot in the side after missing the last two seasons. It was Nehra's belief in their potential and careful direction that made these bowlers reach their peak.

Ex-cricketer Robin Uthappa on Nehra recently spoke out. On Jio HotStar, he praised Nehra's coaching style, which specifically worked to reinstate Siraj and Krishna in form. He believes that the rediscovery of being able to swing the ball, especially the new one, alongside Siraj and Krishna's consistency of being in role combined with simplicity of role have remained key to his success.

Siraj's return to form is also a product of his off-season hard work. Following his dismal performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and not being selected for the Champions Trophy team, Siraj chose to silence his critics. In November 2024, Siraj met with former India bowling coach Bharat Arun to correct his problems. Arun understood that Siraj's wrist action was making him lose movement and control. Nehra, who was ever confident about Siraj's potential, started from where Arun left. He coached Siraj extensively to develop his skills, giving him the confidence he needed to perform at his best.

Prasidh Krishna has also thrived under Nehra's guidance. Krishna's bounce and pace have been a significant asset for the Titans in IPL 2025. His skiddy spells and accurate line have earned him valuable wickets. Nehra's blunt advice has made sure that Krishna delivers it right every time, and hence he is an asset to Gujarat's strong bowling unit.

Gujarat Titans Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki also praised the way Nehra has been able to instill confidence in Siraj and Krishna. According to Solanki, Nehra's ability to make the players feel irreplaceable has been the key to the team's success. The two bowlers have regained faith in themselves, and it has translated into amazing performances on the field. Siraj, also, made no bones about how much he values Nehra's advice and is more than happy to take tips from him to further work on his game. Nehra's confidence in Siraj's game is not just about his pace and swing only.

He always thought Siraj is a red-ball specialist and went on to say in public that Siraj's variations and ability make him a bigger threat than even Jasprit Bumrah in so many ways. Nehra has said that Siraj's greatest problem is keeping his fitness along with the quickness in his mind, and if he can pull off that, then he can become one amongst the finest players in the world. Having coached Siraj and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the formative years of their career, Nehra knows Siraj's potential and has discovered the exact recipe to bring it out at Gujarat Titans. The transformation drama of Siraj and Krishna is a reflection of Ashish Nehra's wizardly coaching.

His cricketing expertise, combined with his experience of handling and inspiring players, has earned him a position among the finest IPL coaches. With Gujarat Titans still performing at the top level in 2025, it's obvious Nehra's influence is one key to their ongoing success. With the presumption that he's at the helm, the Titans will be an imprint to be measured in IPL cricket.