Even though the Gujarat Titans fell short of lifting the IPL 2026 title, losing the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, head coach Ashish Nehra’s stock continues to rise. The former India pacer joined Gujarat in the run-up to IPL 2022 as their head coach, and since then his reputation has grown with each campaign. He has already delivered one trophy-winning season with the franchise and has guided the team to two separate finals. Over the five years he has led the Titans, they have reached the playoffs four times, with only a single slip-up in 2024 when they missed out.
The sustained momentum under Nehra has prompted Sanjay Manjrekar to make a strong recommendation regarding India’s next white-ball coaching appointment. With the BCCI weighing options for the senior men’s team, Manjrekar argued that Nehra should be factored into the decision-making process. For the moment, Gautam Gambhir is still the head coach of India, with his current contract set to run through the 2027 ODI World Cup. Still, there is also a possibility that Gambhir could receive an extension that stretches the plan further to cover the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the T20 World Cup.
Despite that, Manjrekar believes Nehra deserves to be considered as well—particularly if India are specifically searching for a T20-focused coach. In his comments, he pointed to Nehra’s record and the way he approaches cricket conversations and team problems.
Nehra’s impact and why Manjrekar backs him for a T20 role
- Manjrekar said that if India are targeting a coach for the T20 format, Nehra is the kind of candidate who has consistently produced results.
- He described Nehra as a “street-smart” cricket mind who can assess issues without getting overwhelmed by emotions.
- He also suggested that Nehra doesn’t overstep beyond cricket into distractions, or try to please people—an approach Manjrekar feels players can sense and respond to.
- Manjrekar added that Nehra’s sharp reading of the game helps him focus on the real problems on the field rather than managing external narratives.
Another point Manjrekar highlighted was Nehra’s attitude toward credit. He stressed that the coach appears comfortable operating away from the spotlight and doesn’t seem bothered by success or attention.
“Doesn’t take credit” — Manjrekar on Nehra’s mindset
- Manjrekar said Nehra doesn’t appear to be influenced by coaching success in the way some people might be.
- He described Nehra as someone who avoids chasing credit, preferring instead to put in the work required to keep improving.
- In Manjrekar’s view, Nehra comes across as a straightforward figure who genuinely enjoys the grind of coaching.
Manjrekar also drew a clear boundary around how Nehra should be used if India were to bring him into the setup. In his opinion, Nehra shouldn’t be drafted into a limited support role like bowling coaching or as a consultant if India are really looking for his leadership and coaching philosophy.
Only as a head coach, not a bowling coach
Manjrekar argued that if a coach has already proven himself as a head coach—especially while delivering strong performances across different captains—then he should be given the head-coach position rather than being brought in as a specialist bowling coach.
In short, while the Titans’ 2026 final defeat may have ended their title hopes for the year, the conversations around Nehra have only intensified, with Manjrekar positioning him as a credible next option for India’s T20 coaching direction.
