In a season where Gujarat Titans have emerged as a dominant force, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has heaped well-deserved praise on their bowling architect, Ashish Nehra. Following Gujarat's emphatic 82-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad, Bangar highlighted how Nehra has quietly transformed the Titans into one of the most formidable bowling units in IPL 2026.
The win was a masterclass in fast bowling. Defending a modest total of 168, Gujarat's pace attack tore through the Sunrisers lineup, bundling them out for a mere 86. Kagiso Rabada, who has rediscovered his rhythm under Nehra's guidance, finished with impressive figures of 3/28, while Jason Holder chipped in with 3/20. This performance was just the latest in a string of dominant displays by Gujarat's seamers this campaign.
Bangar, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, emphasized Nehra's unique ability to nurture and revive fast bowlers. "I think you have to acknowledge the influence of Ashish Nehra on the bowlers that play under him," Bangar said. "There have been multiple bowlers like Siraj, who played under him at the start of his career in 2017-18. At that time, he wasn't the Mohammed Siraj that he is today." It's a testament to Nehra's coaching that Siraj has since evolved into one of India's premier pacemen.
The list of bowlers thriving under Nehra's tutelage is impressive. Beyond Rabada and Holder, veterans like Mohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami have also produced match-winning spells this season. Rabada's resurgence is particularly noteworthy—the South African speedster has already bagged 21 wickets in IPL 2026 after struggling for consistency in recent years. "Somehow, he gets the best out of them," Bangar remarked, highlighting Nehra's almost magical touch with pace bowlers.
At the heart of Nehra's philosophy is a commitment to disciplined bowling. Bangar explained that Nehra strongly advocates for bowling "Test-match lengths," a strategy that has paid rich dividends in the T20 format. This emphasis on accuracy and control, rather than sheer pace or trickery, has made Gujarat's attack both economical and lethal. As the playoffs approach, Nehra's often-overlooked role behind the scenes may well be the key to Gujarat Titans' title ambitions.