Jos Buttler set to dominate IPL 2026, thanks to Ashish Nehra

Former PBKS all-rounder Irfan Pathan went on to back English T20 veteran Jos Buttler to follow up with commanding form in the upcoming edition of the IPL. He cited Ashish Nehra's mindset as the real boosting factor for the star batter.

The Gujarat Titans will clash against PBKS in the opening match of the IPL 2026 on the 31st of March 2026. Once again, they would largely depend on their overseas cricketers, and Jos Buttler for the upcoming season, after the Titans' top order scored 700+, 500+ and 400+ runs last season.

Irfan Pathan backs Jos Buttler to return to promising form ahead of IPL 2026

Former Punjab Kings all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed that though Jos Buttler, the Gujarat Titans' batting trump card, lacked form in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, he will be back in promising touch for the franchise.

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"Ashish Nehra is aware of how to bring the best out of players. He is well aware that even if he comes a few days before, there will be nothing remaining for us to teach him. But giving him a promising atmosphere is what is necessary," said the PBKS all-rounder

Irfan Pathan further went on to claim that Jos Buttler is a very big cricketer and Ashish Nehra knows just how he can extract the best performance from the England star.

"When such is the environment of the dressing room, players do perform without feeling any unnecessary pressure. For such big players, some responsibility should be handed to them as a coach, and then you can extract the best from your player.

"This seems to be one of the reasons that Buttler is very happy in this Gujarat Titans lineup, and once he returns, he will also be able to score some runs for the franchise," he added.

Ashish Nehra's positive dressing room vibe boosts players' confidence in the GT camp

Ashish Nehra, the Gujarat Titans coach, has been one of the greatest coaches in the IPL, having led the franchise to three playoffs, two finals, and one title in just 4 seasons after their debut in 2022. Pathan pointed out the positive atmosphere in the dressing room, which inspires cricketers in the GT camp.

"When I asked Ashish Nehra during the T20 World Cup what his plans would be for the upcoming season of the IPL if Jos Buttler continued with his severe lack of form," questioned former PBKS all-rounder Irfan Pathan.

"He answered me in his usual cool demeanor and said, 'I have asked Jos Buttler to come and join us on the 28th or 29th of March, as our first game is scheduled against Punjab Kings, likely on the 31st of March. Until then, you can relax and spend time with your family'," revealed Irfan Pathan.

🚨 After the T20 World Cup, Ashish Nehra told Jos Buttler that their match is on 31st March against PBKS, so he could relax at home and join the team by 28th or 29th March. 🚨

- That's why the dressing room environment of GT is so good. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2HvSXBi08Q

— Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) March 31, 2026

Shubman Gill has a lot to prove in IPL 2026

The Gujarat Titans announced Shubman Gill as their skipper in 2024, when Hardik Pandya departed for the Mumbai Indians. Under Gill's captaincy, the Gujarat Titans have reached the playoffs once and have yet to win the competition under him.

The Indian youngster has a lot to prove, especially in the shortest format of the game, as he was snubbed from the competition ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Indian youngster would not only have to convince all with his batting form, but also highlight himself as a promising captain for the future.

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