Ishant Sharma discusses the GT head coach’s direction, saying, “With Nehra, it is always a chill atmosphere.”

Ishant Sharma, a former Indian bowler, discussed how Ashish Nehra, the head coach of the Gujarat Titans (GT), has been crucial in directing the team’s pace attack. At Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, the 2022 champions will play the Delhi Capitals (DC).

The right-arm pacer disclosed that Nehra takes a straightforward strategy when dealing with his bowlers. He emphasised that Nehra encouraged Mohammed Siraj to have faith in his outswinger rather than trying to alter his bowling. Prasidh Krishna was also counselled by the coach to concentrate on pitching the ball fuller. The former left-arm bowler believed that bowling a decent length delivery was more successful, Ishant Sharma continued.

“Ashu Bhai made few adjustments to Siraj’s bowling. As a former international bowler, Ashish Nehra advised Siraj to have faith in his outswinger, which is his go-to ball. The tip for Prasidh Krishna was straightforward: simply make your length a bit longer, and after you’re comfortable doing so, add a yorker in between. There is no better ball than a length ball—a ball striking the stumps—as Ashu Bhai used to tell me. On the Star Sports Press Room, Ishant Sharma stated, “That is true across formats.”

We frequently have casual conversations: Ishant Sharma

By fostering a laid-back environment inside the squad, the 36-year-old admitted that discussions with Nehra are typically informal. He added that no appropriate meetings are held to examine the opposition and maintain a calm atmosphere.

We’ve been friends since my first-class and international debut. We frequently have casual talks over tea or coffee or meet in the hallway. We break down batters in an informal setting without any formal meetings. And it’s with everyone, not just me,” he continued.

With 16 points, GT leads the standings and needs just one win to guarantee a berth in the IPL 2025 playoffs. To improve their prospects of making the playoffs, however, DC must win the remaining games.