'I don't have to think, players do': Ashish Nehra's message to Gujarat Titans

NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans are set for their fifth appearance in the Indian Premier League. The team made their debut in 2022 and won the coveted title in their maiden season under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. Since then, however, they have not been able to replicate that success.Despite this, head coach Ashish Nehra remains confident of a turnaround this year, stressing that the team’s focus continues to be on competing and winning. "I do not think there's a need to think differently this season. [Sochna mujhe to kuch nahi hai. Inko hai, khelna inko hai, meine toh bahar baithna hai]. In fact, I do not have to think, the players do. They have to think. They have to play; I am sitting outside," Nehra said, as quoted in a Gujarat Titans press release."From day one, our mindset has been clear, we are not here to participate, we are here to compete and win. For a new team, it is easy to think it might take time, but that was never our approach." he said.After lifting the title in 2022, Gujarat Titans delivered another strong campaign in 2023, reaching the final of the edition before losing to Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling clash.They endured a disappointing 2024 season, failing to qualify for the playoffs.However, in 2025, the Shubman Gill-led side bounced back to reach the playoffs, where they lost to Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.Speaking about captain Gill and the team, Nehra said: "You are talking about a captain (Shubman Gill) who has been with the team from day one and has seen that journey. I don't think we are looking to do anything different this season."Gujarat Titans will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on March 31.