Former Indian left-arm pacer Ashish Nehra and former England cricketer Vikram Solanki have played crucial roles in Gujarat Titans’ early successes. Their possible fates in the Gujarat Titans have been revealed.

Gujarat Titans made their IPL debut in the 2022 season. Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, the Titans won the title in their first season (2022) and finished as the runners-up in their second season (2023). 

Due to the exit of Hardik, Gujarat Titans chose Shubman Gill as the new captain for the IPL 2024. However, the Titans struggled in the IPL 2024 and finished in eighth place.

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Nehra and Solanki have been with Gujarat Titans since their IPL debut

After the disappointing IPL 2024 performances, there were several rumours of major changes in the coaching staff. The batting coach and mentor Gary Kirsten already left the team for the head coach role of the Pakistan national cricket team. Meanwhile, the head coach Ashish Nehra and the director of cricket Vikram Solanki’s contracts had been ended soon after the IPL 2024.

Gujarat Titans may experience ownership changes soon. Torrent Pharma, an Ahmedabad-based company, has reportedly shown interest in acquiring a major and controlling stake in this IPL team. Amid the ownership change rumour, there was news about the exit of Nehra and Solanki from the team. 

Experienced coaching staff are important

However, according to the recent Cricbuzz report, Nehra and Solanki are likely to continue their roles for Gujarat Titans for the next season, IPL 2025. 

It is a crucial time for every IPL team. While every IPL team will have a short-limited power of retention, which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will announce soon, every team will then participate in the mega auction to fill up the squad. 

The short retention and mega auction are very crucial for each team. An experienced coaching staff can guide the team management to set up a strong squad.  

Former India pacer Ashish Nehra has opened up on the rapport that Gambhir and Kohli share. Both of them have been at the centre of a few on-field tussles, with the most recent coming in the Indian Premier League 2023 season as well. Both the cricketing icons wear their passion on their sleeves, and everyone is waiting to see them together as well.

“The things on the outside, people get an impression about it”- Ashish Nehra

“Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are two very passionate individuals. Whenever they play for a team, they can turn up against the opposition. But, when they are together in a dressing room, they are together, united for the team. You’re talking about Virat Kohli, who has an experience of over 16-17 years, Gautam Gambhir is also experienced. The things on the outside, people get an impression about it. It’s not just Gambhir and Kohli, there are so many players who have had on-field spats in the past, but when they play together for a team, they have done well as a player, as a coach-captain, as a coach and senior player,” said Nehra, as per India Today.

Gautam Gambhir, who takes over the Team India head coach job from Rahul Dravid who is not similar in personality in comparison as well. Despite the drastic shift, Ashish Nehra isn’t expect Kohli and Gambhir to have problems in the team as well.

“Gautam Gambhir is upfront, transparent which is great. He keeps it clear and speaks his mind. That’s very important. Yes, I agree, everybody has their own style (of coaching), to operate with the coach, captain and player. I don’t see any problem with these two and where they are in their careers,” said Nehra.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

“No, I am not surprised” – Ashish Nehra on Hardik Pandya’s snub from T20 captaincy

Nehra also said he was not surprised by the Indian management’s decision not to appoint Hardik Pandya as the new T20I captain as well. Nehra said that he understood the decision of chief selector Ajit Agarkar and newly-appointed coach Gautam Gambhir as they picked Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain.

Hardik Pandya, who led India in T20Is in 2023, was Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in June in the USA and the West Indies. While Hardik was likely to replace Rohit as T20I captain after Rohit retired from the format, the BCCI announced Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain for the upcoming three-match series in Sri Lanka as well.

“No, I am not surprised. When it comes to cricket, these things keep happening. Yes, Hardik Pandya was vice-captain in the World Cup, but at the same time, there is a new coach who has come in. Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir’s) ideas are toward that direction,” Nehra told India Today’s sister channel SportsTak.

“I think Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir have made it clear, that’s good. He is playing one format, 50-over also, he is playing less. Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket. When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings in a different balance to the side and keep in mind, that there’s no impact player in international cricket. Not just Hardik Pandya, but when you have so many matches, there will be changes. Even Rishabh Pant has captained, KL Rahul has captained,” he concluded.

The next IPL season will see big changes in the coaching setups of many teams. Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar, and Ryan ten Doeschate have left Kolkata Knight Riders to join the Indian team’s coaching staff, and Ricky Ponting has ended his time as head coach of Delhi Capitals.

According to News18, head coach Ashish Nehra and Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki might leave Gujarat Titans before IPL 2025. Last season, GT finished eighth on the points table under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, who took over from Hardik Pandya.

Nehra and Solanki joined the Titans in IPL 2022 and led the team to their first title in their debut season, a huge achievement. Titans had a great run in IPL 2023, reaching the final where Chennai Super Kings beat them. However, this year, they missed the playoffs after failing to replace all rounder Hardik Pandya, who was traded to Mumbai Indians, and also missed the injured Mohammad Shami.

Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki likely to leave Gujarat Titans

The report mentions that Titans are talking to Yuvraj Singh about joining the coaching staff as Nehra and Solanki are expected to leave.

“Lot of changes on the cards. Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki are highly likely to move on and discussions around Yuvraj Singh have already begun. Nothing is finalised right now but there could be some major changes in the coaching staff of the Gujarat Titans,” says a source

Yuvraj Singh in talks for coaching role with Gujarat Titans

Yuvraj has mentored GT captain Shubman Gill before, and they share a great bond off the field, but Yuvraj has no IPL coaching experience.

Gary Kirsten, who was Titans assistant coach for the past three seasons, has already left to become head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Other coaching staff members like Aashish Kapoor, Naeem Amin, Narender Negi, and Mithun Manhas are also expected to leave if Nehra and Solanki depart.

IPL owners set to meet BCCI

IPL team owners will probably meet with the BCCI on July 30 or 31. The exact date isn’t set yet, but the meeting will happen this month to finalize player retentions and discuss the Impact Player rule and salary cap before the mega auction.

BCCI officials and top executives from various IPL teams have already had one round of discussions. Final decisions will be made when the owners meet with the BCCI’s top leaders.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to release an advertisement for the highly coveted position of head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. With Rahul Dravid’s tenure as coach set to conclude, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the appointment of his successor.

Rahul Dravid’s Tenure and Potential Reapplication

Rahul Dravid, the current head coach of Team India, is nearing the end of his tenure, which is scheduled to conclude in June. However, BCCI’s secretary Jay Shah has clarified that Dravid can reapply for the position if he wishes to continue his coaching journey with the Indian team. Despite this opportunity, it is unlikely that Dravid will extend his tenure beyond June, given his long stint in the role.

Exploring Potential Contenders

As speculation mounts regarding the next head coach of Team India, several potential contenders have emerged, both from India and abroad. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise, making the selection process all the more intriguing.

See Also: Watch: Rohit Sharma’s chat with Abhishek Nayar goes viral, KKR delete video

1. VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman’s coaching journey with Team India began on a high note, with successful stints in the T20 series and a gold medal triumph at the Asian Games 2023. One of Laxman’s notable coaching achievements came during the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, where he led the Indian team to a gold medal triumph.

Currently serving as the Director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and head coach of the Indian U-19 team, Laxman’s strategic understanding and commitment to player development make him a compelling candidate for the head coach role.

2. Ricky Ponting

With extensive coaching experience, including successful stints with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals in the IPL, Ricky Ponting emerges as a formidable foreign candidate. He was the coach of Mumbai Indians from 2014-2016 and led them to a trophy in 2015. Post that, he had a couple of coaching stints with the Aussie side in 2017, and then in a tri-series later in the year as well. Then he has been coaching the Delhi Capitals side since 2018.

His proven track record as both a player and a coach, coupled with his astute cricketing acumen, positions him as a strong contender for the Team India head coach role.

3. Ashish Nehra

Despite his unorthodox coaching style, Ashish Nehra has made significant strides in the coaching arena. He has led the Gujarat Titans to wonders with the Gujarat Titans, having won the title in 2022, and making finals in 2023 and earned praise for his camaraderie with players.

In fact, if reports are to be believed, Nehra was offered the role of Team India’s T20I coach, but he declined the offer, in November 2023, after the World Cup. That was perhaps due to his contract with IPL franchise GT.

While his coaching experience may be limited, Nehra’s deep understanding of the game and ability to foster a positive team environment make him a compelling candidate for the position.

4. Andy Flower

Andy Flower’s coaching pedigree speaks for itself, with notable achievements as head coach of the England cricket team, including Ashes victories and an ICC T20 World Cup triumph.

His extensive coaching experience spans various cricketing leagues, currently overseeing teams like Multan Sultans (MS) in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and St Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Flower’s diverse coaching background and proven track record make him an enticing prospect for any cricketing outfit, including Team India. His analytical approach and innovative strategies could inject fresh vitality into Team India’s tactics, making him a sought-after candidate for the head coach role.

5. Gautam Gambhir

As a former India opener and mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir brings a unique blend of aggression and leadership to the coaching arena. He was also Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor during the IPL 2022 edition. Gambhir was impressive and expressive as LSG reached the playoffs in their debut season in the T20 league.

While his coaching experience may be limited compared to other contenders, Gambhir’s passion for the game and commitment to excellence make him a compelling candidate for the Team India head coach position.

Indian cricket and the Gujarat Titans franchise received a blow as promising cricketer Robin Minz, recently acquired by the Titans, is set to miss the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season due to a bike accident. The unfortunate incident overshadows Minz’s much-anticipated debut in one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments.

Impact on IPL 2024 Participation

Robin Minz, a budding talent from Jharkhand, was a notable addition to the Gujarat Titans lineup for IPL 2024, having been secured for a significant sum of Rs 3.60 crores in the mini-auction. However, the excitement surrounding his inclusion quickly turned to disappointment as news broke of his bike accident, which will sideline him for the entire season.

See Also: IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals probable playing XI and impact player strategies

Details of the Bike Accident

The accident occurred when Minz lost control of his Kawasaki superbike a few weeks before the IPL season began. Hailing from Gumla, Jharkhand, Minz reportedly rode close to his hometown when the mishap occurred. Despite avoiding significant harm, the accident’s severity was enough to rule him out of IPL 2024.

Assessment of Minz’s IPL Prospects

Robin Minz’s acquisition by the Gujarat Titans was a significant milestone, particularly as he was presumed to be the first Adivasi (indigenous) cricket player to be purchased at an IPL auction. The anticipation surrounding his IPL debut was palpable, with high hopes pinned on his performance in the upcoming season. However, the unfortunate events have dashed those expectations, leaving Minz and the franchise disheartened over the missed opportunity.

Gujarat Titans will face Mumbai Indians in its first match of IPL 2024 at its home ground in Ahmedabad on March 24. In its following game, it will take on defending champion CSK in Chennai on March 26.

Here is the full IPL 2024 schedule of Gujarat Titans

1. vs Mumbai Indians – March 24 – Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM IST
2. vs Chennai Super Kings – March 26 – Chennai – 7:30 PM IST
3. vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – March 31 – Ahmedabad – 3:30 PM IST
4. vs Punjab Kings – April 4 – Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM IST
5. vs Lucknow Super Giants – April 7 – Lucknow -7:30 PM IST

Gujarat Titans squad: David Miller, Shubman Gill (c), Matthew Wade, Wriddhiman Saha, Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, B. Sai Sudharsan, Darshan Nalkande, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, Mohit Sharma, Azmatullah Omarzai, Umesh Yadav, Shahrukh Khan, Sushant Mishra, Kartik Tyagi, Manav Suthar, Spencer Johnson, Robin Minz. 

In the bustling world of Indian Premier League cricket, Gujarat Titans find themselves under new leadership, with Shubman Gill succeeding Hardik Pandya as the franchise’s captain. This transition comes at a crucial juncture for the team, which has reached the final in each of its two years in the tournament.

Shubman Gill: A New Captain

Gill’s ascension to captaincy marks a significant shift for the Gujarat Titans. Widely recognized as one of the best batters in the world, especially in limited-overs cricket, Gill brings a wealth of talent and potential to the leadership position. His recent performances in Test cricket, including a stellar showing against England with 452 runs in the series, underscore his versatility and growing stature in the cricketing world.

See Also: “Players know how to keep their egos aside…”: Dale Steyn on MI captaincy debate in IPL 2024

Intrigue Surrounding Gill’s Captaincy

Despite his prowess with the bat, Gill’s elevation to the captaincy raises intriguing questions about his leadership capabilities. With limited experience at the helm at the game’s highest levels, there’s an air of curiosity about how Gill will navigate his new role. Ashish Nehra, the Titans’ head coach, expressed excitement about Gill’s approach, emphasizing the importance of his personal growth alongside his development as a captain.

“All of India, not just me. He’s someone who wants to compete in all three forms and play well. We are therefore eager to assist him in developing as a person rather than just a captain as a franchise and support team. He will be a better captain down the road if he develops as a person,” Nehra said.

Comparison with Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy

Gill’s journey as captain parallels Hardik Pandya’s tenure at Gujarat Titans. Like Gill, Pandya stepped into the captaincy role without extensive prior experience. Nehra highlights this trend, noting the emergence of new leaders in the IPL and the opportunities it presents for players to evolve both on and off the field.

Nehra added, ” Hardik had never led anywhere before leading GT. Currently, ten teams exist. This is not the initial instance. You’ll notice an increasing number of people, such as Shreyas Iyer and Nitish Rana, who captained KKR. All of these guys are having a fantastic time, so let’s see who can take advantage of that and advance again, first as a person then as a player.”

Gill’s Contribution as a Batter

Beyond his leadership responsibilities, Gill remains a vital asset to the Titans as a batter. His impressive IPL record, amassing 1373 runs at a striking rate of 147.79 over the past two years, underscores his ability to make significant contributions with the bat. With the added responsibility of captaincy, expectations are high for Gill to continue his batting exploits while leading the team effectively.