When the Gujarat Titans entered IPL 2025, many had already written them off. The team had lost some key players and there was uncertainty around their recruits. It was only Shubman Gill’s second season as captain and expectations were low. Most cricket experts and fans predicted that GT would finish in the bottom two. However, ten games into the season, Gujarat Titans sit comfortably in the top four with seven wins under their belt. The architect behind this transformation is not just Gill but also a man who has been silently crafting one of the most inspiring turnarounds in IPL history. That man is Ashish Nehra.

Let us look at five reasons why Ashish Nehra is the best head coach in IPL 2025.

1. Getting the Best Out of Auction Recruits

One of the biggest gambles in IPL auctions is the performance of newly recruited players. More often than not, teams splurge money on big names only to see them falter. But under Nehra’s guidance, the Gujarat Titans have hit the jackpot with their new acquisitions. GT brought in the likes of Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna for IPL 2025. All three have delivered consistently and are now among the top performers this season.

Jos Buttler has been a revelation at the top. After a few quiet seasons with the Rajasthan Royals, Buttler has bounced back with 470 runs in 10 matches, including five half-centuries. He has anchored chases, accelerated when needed, and provided explosive starts. Siraj, who was under pressure after an indifferent 2024, has silenced critics with 14 wickets in 10 matches. He is back to bowling with pace and aggression, making early inroads. Prasidh Krishna, after a lengthy injury layoff, has stormed back into form with 19 wickets and is among the front-runners for the Purple Cap. None of this is a coincidence. It is Nehra’s eye for talent and the belief he shows in his players that helps them blossom.

2. Standing Tall Behind His Core Players

Ashish Nehra has always believed in backing his players and giving them an extended run. This season is no different. Two standout examples are Sai Sudharsan and R Sai Kishore. Sudharsan has been in phenomenal touch. He has scored 504 runs in 10 matches and has emerged as one of the most dependable batters in the tournament. The maturity he has shown in pressure situations speaks volumes about the mentorship and clarity he receives.

Similarly, R Sai Kishore, who was often used sporadically in previous editions, has now become a regular and a wicket-taking option. His variations and accuracy have added a new dimension to GT’s bowling. Nehra has also backed Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia even when their form was not ideal. His belief in them is starting to pay off. Both have played vital cameos and delivered in crunch moments. The consistency in selection and unwavering trust has created a confident unit that plays without fear.

3. Tactical Genius and Brave Decisions

Ashish Nehra’s tactical awareness is one of his most underrated strengths. He is always animated in the dugout and gives input throughout the game. He reads the game beautifully and is not afraid to make bold calls when the team is in trouble. A great example came when GT were chasing a modest target of 153. They lost two early wickets and were 16 for 2. Just when everyone expected a senior batter to walk in, Nehra surprised everyone by sending Washington Sundar at number four. The move worked wonders as Sundar played a gem of an innings, scoring 49 off 29 and stabilizing the innings. That one decision showed Nehra’s game sense and his trust in players to deliver out of their usual roles.

He has also rotated bowlers well and used matchups to perfection. Whether it is holding back Siraj for death overs or using Rashid Khan early when needed, his use of resources has been impeccable. Such flexibility and courage are what separate good mentors from great ones.

4. Creating an Environment for Growth

A large part of GT’s success is rooted in the dressing room atmosphere Nehra has built. Players are not afraid to fail. They know they will be backed. This freedom has allowed them to play expressive cricket. The success of Sherfane Rutherford is a case in point. Nehra backed Rutherford ahead of more experienced players like Glenn Phillips. It could have backfired. But instead, Rutherford has scored 201 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of over 155. He has finished games, played aggressively, and become a key part of the lower middle order.

Nehra also keeps things light. His jovial and approachable nature makes it easy for players to connect with him. He has built a bond with every member of the team and that rapport shows on the field. GT’s energy and unity reflect the culture Nehra has created behind the scenes.

5. Nurturing a Young Captain and Future Leaders

This is Shubman Gill’s second year as captain. Captaincy in the IPL is not easy. There is constant scrutiny and results are everything. But Gill has grown remarkably under Nehra’s mentorship. His field placements, use of bowlers, and even his own batting have matured. Having someone like Nehra guiding him allows Gill to take brave calls and lead from the front.

But it does not stop with Gill. Nehra is shaping future leaders. Players like Sudharsan, Tewatia, and Kishore are not just performing but also evolving mentally. The team is being built for the future with a strong leadership group. In an era where franchises often chop and change, GT have found stability and direction thanks to Ashish Nehra.

Ashish Nehra may not be the loudest voice in Indian cricket circles but his impact in IPL 2025 has been massive. He has turned a team that was supposed to struggle into a genuine title contender. His sharp cricket brain, player management skills, and calm presence have made Gujarat Titans one of the most well-balanced and fearless sides in the competition. He has managed to strike the perfect blend of experience and youth, flair and stability, aggression and planning.

In a league full of superstar coaches and mentors, Nehra stands tall as the quiet mastermind. IPL 2025 might still have twists left, but one thing is certain. Ashish Nehra has already won the title of the best head coach this season.