Team India batter Sai Sudharsan recently revealed that he fears Gujarat Titans (GT) head coach Ashish Nehra the most after the IPL 2026 season. Despite sharing a close bond with the former India pacer, the left-handed batter admitted that Nehra's intense personality can sometimes be intimidating.
Ashish Nehra has enjoyed great success with Gujarat Titans since joining the franchise, leading them to the IPL title in 2022 and the finals in 2023 and 2026. Meanwhile, Sudharsan has become one of the team's key batters, scoring more than 700 runs in each of the last two IPL seasons.
Sometimes He Scares Me - Sai Sudharsan on Ashish Nehra
Speaking on the Gobinath YouTube channel, Sai Sudharsan was asked who he fears the most in a team environment. The 24-year-old named Ashish Nehra, saying the former India pacer has a brilliant cricketing mind but can sometimes be intimidating despite his friendly nature.
"Ashish Nehra. He has an amazing cricketing mind. But sometimes he scares me," Sai Sudharsan said. "He is the most fun person also, yet, is like a father to all the players."
Sudharsan recently scored 81 runs off 104 balls, including 13 boundaries, in India's dominant win over Afghanistan. India declared their first innings at 564/8 before bowling Afghanistan out for 152 and 112 to seal an innings and 300-run victory in the one-off Test at New Chandigarh.
He Was The One Who I looked At As A Role Model - Sai Sudharsan
Sudharsan also praised his relationship with Gujarat Titans and India captain Shubman Gill. He said that Gill has supported him from his early days at the franchise by offering advice and helping him improve, even when he was left out because of the team combination.
"He was the one who I looked at as a role model when I first came to GT. In my second year, even when I would be doing well, I would be dropped because of the team combination," Sudharsan said.
"He would always come and talk to me and point out small areas I can improve at. I have a great relationship with him. I can call him anytime and if I have any doubts, I'll message him. It's a blessing that I also get to play with him in the Indian team."
He Backs the Players a Lot - Sai Sudharsan on Gautam Gambhir
Sudharsan also praised India head coach Gautam Gambhir for creating a positive atmosphere in the dressing room. The left-handed batter said Gambhir gives players the freedom to play their natural game and always supports them, which helps build confidence.
"The most important thing for a player in a team is having freedom to express. He's a person who says do whatever you want and I'll back you," Sai Sudharsan said. "That's what allows me to play for the team rather than think about how to score for myself."
"He is creating an environment where players are more expressive. He is a really good person, who backs the players a lot," he added.
