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Ashish Nehra has emerged as one of the names discussed for the India head coach role if Gautam Gambhir is eventually replaced. However, the former India pacer has made it clear that coaching the national team is not something he currently has on his list of ambitions, despite admitting that the opportunity would be a huge honour.
Ashish Nehra has built a strong reputation as Gujarat Titans' head coach since the franchise entered the IPL in 2022. While speaking about the possibility of taking charge of India, he explained that international coaching involves extensive travel and comes with demands that would require him to consider his family commitments before making any decision.
Gujarat Titans dominate in IPL under Ashish Nehra
Gujarat Titans have been the most successful IPL team in terms of win percentage since 2021. The franchise has a 59.49% win percentage during this period and has also won one IPL trophy.
Nehra's work with GT has made him one of the more respected coaches in the league. The franchise reached the final in its debut season in 2022 and went on to win the IPL title. It also returned to the final in 2023.
Despite the success being associated with his tenure, Nehra has repeatedly maintained that coaching is a collective effort rather than the achievement of one individual. He also stressed that he does not approach his career by setting specific targets for himself.
Yes, it will be a great honour and a privilege - Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra was asked about the possibility of coaching India at the Cricket Association of Bengal's annual awards ceremony. Rather than expressing a desire to take over from Gambhir, he said he prefers to deal with opportunities if and when they arise.
"First things first, I will not use the word ambition. I never plan. Yes, it will be a great honour and a privilege, but I never plan things like that. We'll see in the future. No, no ambition. I'm very happy where I am," Nehra said, speaking at the Cricket Association of Bengal's (CAB) annual awards ceremony, as quoted by NDTV.
The former India pacer also played down the idea that Gujarat Titans' success has been solely because of him. According to Nehra, the performances are a result of the entire group working together.
"When it comes to GT, lots of people say, 'you have done well in coaching'. It's not me; it's about the team. Yes, when your captain, when your coach is always associated, that's the way it goes, especially in India, but I'm dead against it," Nehra said.
“I’ll get the divorce”: Ashish Nehra on replacing Gautam Gambhir
Ashish Nehra then offered a humorous explanation for why taking up an international coaching position would require serious consideration. The former fast bowler pointed out that the India head coach's job involves travelling for much of the year, making it a major commitment away from home.
"It's very difficult to answer right now. First things first, I'll have to check with the High Commission, which is my wife. Otherwise I'll get the divorce. It's a travelling thing, which comes to eight or nine months. Not easy," he stated.
He also highlighted how difficult it is for international coaches to sustain the demands of the role for a long period.
"When it comes to international cricket, not too many people have done more than 3-4 years... the kinds of demands, the kinds of travelling," he pointed out.
Also Read: IPL team rankings: Gujarat Titans at No. 1, RCB second, Mumbai Indians at bottom
