The Gujarat Titans (GT) are reportedly set to part ways with head coach Ashish Nehra ahead of the IPL 2025 season. Recent reports suggest that the franchise will not renew Nehra’s contract as they plan to overhaul their entire coaching staff.
Nehra began his role as head coach before the IPL 2022 season, leading the team to victory in their debut season by winning against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the final. The Titans also reached the final in the next IPL season but were defeated by MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Ashish Nehra and Gujarat Titans Set To Part Ways?
According to Cricbuzz, the Gujarat Titans are considering changes to their coaching staff for the upcoming season. Vikram Solanki has been the director of cricket, and Gary Kirsten has served as a mentor and batting coach. The GT management plans to make some changes to their staff ahead of the mega auction.
“IPL insiders suggest that the GT management, which has its administrative head based in the UK and some officials in Mumbai and Singapore, is considering changing their coaching staff for the coming season. It is very likely that there will be some changes to the coach structure,” a report by Cricbuzz said.
The Nehra-Solanki-Kirsten trio couldn’t lead the team to the playoffs in the last IPL season. With Hardik Pandya moving back to the Mumbai Indians (MI), young Shubman Gill took over as captain. After this year’s tournament, Kirsten departed from his role to become the head coach of the Pakistan white-ball team.
Vikram Solanki Might Right His Role In Gujarat Titans
The report added that Vikram Solanki might retain his role despite potential changes. However, Ashish Nehra’s position as head coach is uncertain. Nehra is known for his active involvement, such as advising players during the IPL. However, the GT head coach was seen less by television cameras in the IPL 2024.
“There are indications that Solanki might be able to survive the overhaul, but the head coach position is less certain. It is said that Nehra may have unsettled some individuals,” the report added.
Gautam Adani To Own Gujarat Titans?
Speculation is swirling about a potential change in ownership for the Gujarat Titans, with possible new stakeholders being Torrent Pharma or the Adani Group.
According to reports, any potential transfer might be delayed until February next year due to a mandatory three-year lock-in period for franchise shares. As a result, CVC Capital Partners is expected to remain in control for at least one more season.
CVC Capital Partners acquired the Ahmedabad IPL franchise in October 2021 with a bid of Rs 5,625 crore. They are now seeking to sell a majority stake while retaining a minority share. The BCCI’s lock-in period is set to conclude in February 2025, and during this time, CVC has been negotiating with Gautam Adani’s group and Torrent Pharma.
