Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has made a bold statement on the new style of coaching in modern cricket amid the ongoing IPL 2026. In the modern era, coaches are becoming active leaders on the field, but sometimes behind the scenes as well.
This change is visible in the IPL, where quick decisions or suggestions from the coaches from the dugout or the boundary line make a huge difference. Therefore, Harbhajan feels that teams now need coaches who can immediately guide the players not only before the match but also during every over in this modern era.
Harbhajan Singh praised Ashish Nehra’s football style coaching.
One coach is at the forefront of this new trend and he is none other than former Indian fast bowler and current head coach of Gujarat Titans (GT), Ashish Nehra. He has attracted attention this season too with his high energy and constant involvement during matches.
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Nehra is always seen roaming around, talking to the players, giving advice and reacting to every situation. His style is similar to that of football managers, who guide their team from the sidelines throughout the game. He does not sit still even for a moment.
He makes the atmosphere comfortable anywhere: Harbhajan Singh on GT head coach
And now Harbhajan Singh has compared his former Indian teammate Nehar with football team managers. The former World Cup winner praised the GT head coach for creating a very positive and comfortable environment in the team, which helps them perform better under pressure.
Harbhajan Singh said in JioHotstar’s ‘Commentary on Champions’, “Ashish Nehra is the only person who makes the atmosphere comfortable anywhere, anytime. Wherever he goes, he makes everyone around him feel comfortable. Not just himself, but everyone who works with him. One of the nicest human beings you will ever meet. If you are with him, you are guaranteed to have a good time.”
Ashish Nehra’s IPL story with Gujarat Titans
This bonding and unity within the team is one of the biggest reasons behind the success of Gujarat Titans. He made his dream debut in 2022 when he won the IPL trophy under the coaching of Nehra and the captaincy of Hardik Pandya.
In 2023, GT reached the final but lost to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Even in 2024, when the Titans went through a bit of a tough phase under Shubman Gill, they continued to trust Nehra’s approach, and that trust bore fruit again in 2025, as they made another playoff appearance.
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Gujarat Titans’ current 2026 season also started with struggles, but now they have made a strong comeback with three consecutive wins. Now, GT aims to defeat MI in Ahmedabad on April 20.
Harbhajan says Nehra is like a football coach
Ashish Nehra’s biggest strength is his connection with the players. He keeps communicating with them, supports them in difficult moments and keeps the energy high in the dugout. And Harbhajan feels that this kind of partnership is now becoming very important for success in modern cricket.
He said, “His biggest contribution to Gujarat Titans is to keep everyone together. He is Ashish Nehra. He is like a football coach. He never sits still. Throughout the match he finds a player and keeps talking to him. Nehra ji has a very good understanding of the game. The work he has done with Gujarat Titans is commendable.”