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Ashish Nehra's Mastery: The Secret Behind GT's Bowling Dominance

Sanjay Bangar praised Ashish Nehra's influence on Gujarat Titans' bowlers, calling it underappreciated. Nehra emphasizes Test-match lengths, which has helped bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj excel. Rabada has taken 21 wickets this season, while Jason Holder and others have also thrived. GT's dominant 82-run win over SRH showcased their bowling strength.

Key Points: Nehra's Influence on GT Bowlers Praised by Bangar

  • Bangar credits Nehra for GT bowlers' success
  • Nehra's focus on Test-match lengths
  • Rabada and Siraj thrive under Nehra
  • Holder and Shami also benefited
2 min read

'You have to acknowledge Nehra's influence on GT bowlers': Bangar

Sanjay Bangar says Ashish Nehra deserves more credit for transforming Gujarat Titans' bowling unit, highlighting Rabada, Siraj, and Holder's success.

"You have to acknowledge the influence of Ashish Nehra on the bowlers that play under him. - Sanjay Bangar"

Ahmedabad, May 13

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that head coach Ashish Nehra deserves far more credit for transforming the Gujarat Titans into one of the most formidable bowling units in IPL 2026, saying the head coach consistently gets the best out of his fast bowlers.

Bangar's remarks came after the Gujarat Titans climbed to the top of the points table with a massive 82-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday. GT's pace attack once again starred, with Kagiso Rabada returning figures of 3-28 and Jason Holder claiming 3-20 as SRH were bowled out for just 86 while chasing 168.

"I think you have to acknowledge the influence of Ashish Nehra on the bowlers that play under him. There have been multiple bowlers like Siraj, who did play under him at the start of his career in 2017-18. At that time, he wasn't the Mohammed Siraj that he is today. But him enjoying this stint with GT, Kagiso Rabada as well," Bangar told ESPNcricinfo.

Bangar also pointed to Rabada's resurgence this season under Nehra's guidance. The South African pacer has been one of the standout bowlers of IPL 2026 with 21 wickets so far and played a major role in dismantling Hyderabad's top order alongside Mohammed Siraj.

"Not to forget his glory years in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, but after that, he had a dip in form. Somehow, he gets the best out of them. Mohit is another example wherein he did a very, very good job under him. Mohammed Shami as well in 2023. Holder even this season," he added.

Bangar further explained that Nehra's philosophy revolves around maintaining disciplined Test-match lengths. "I think his emphasis is on just trying to bowl those Test-match lengths. And he always says that. When we used to work together on broadcast as well, he used to emphasise that quite often. So clearly an influence, which Ashish doesn't get enough credit for, should be acknowledged. Because he does have that skill of getting the best out of his fast bowlers," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Finally someone saying this! Nehra has been low-key the brains behind GT's success. But I think we also need to appreciate the support staff - bowling coach and analysts doing the dirty work. Still, Nehra's focus on Test match lengths in T20 is genius - bowlers hitting hard lengths and letting the pitch do the rest.
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James A
As someone who follows IPL closely from the UK, I think this is spot on. Nehra's ability to revive careers like Mohit Sharma and now Rabada is remarkable. But let's be honest - the depth of Indian domestic talent also plays a role. GT's scouting has been superb. Just wish more franchises would adopt this long-term approach.
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Vikram M
Bangar is absolutely right. Nehra's influence is underrated because he's not a loud personality like some other coaches. But results speak for themselves. GT's attack has been the best in the tournament - Rabada's 21 wickets, Siraj's consistency, Holder's death bowling. And to think we nearly lost Nehra to another franchise! 😅
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Sarah B
Great analysis from Bangar. But one thing missing - GT's batting has also stepped up when needed. You can't win with bowling alone, especially in T20. Look at how Gill and Miller have anchored chases. Nehra deserves credit for creating a balanced unit, not just the bowling. Let's not oversimplify!
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Ananya R
This makes me nostalgic! Remember when Nehra was playing his farewell match and now he's shaping careers of young bowlers. Love how he's passing on that left-arm quick wisdom to the next generation.

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