Gujarat Titans' promising journey in the IPL 2025 was put to an end by the Mumbai Indians during the grand Eliminator clash on Friday. Former MI captain Rohit Sharma played a blinder of an innings to blow GT away in this do-or-die contest. His whirlwind knock of 81 off 50 powered MI to a match-winning total as GT were tasked with chasing a mammoth target of 229 to stay in the hunt for the second Qualifier. 

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Despite giving away such a massive score, GT started off in a resilient fashion, blazing their way to 100 for the loss of two wickets within 9.2 overs. Sai Sudharsan played a fighting knock of 80 off 49, and while he was there, GT's hopes of making it to the next stage were also alive. Sadly, he succumbed against the run of play due to intense scoreboard pressure, and a lack of contributions from the middle-lower order meant that GT fell short by a small margin of 20 runs.

While the MI supporters cherished the win, it was a moment of anguish for the GT fans and the support staff. To see their team crumble in such a fashion triggered a teary-eyed reaction from the GT fanbase, who at the time were present in the stadium in sizeable numbers. The defeat was emotionally charged for the Gujarat Titans. Shubman Gill's sister, Shahneel, and coach Ashish Nehra's son were seen in tears in the stands, reflecting the personal stakes involved in high-profile cricket matches.

Probably the most affected of them all was Ashish Nehra's son, who simply couldn't digest the defeat of his father's side. While son his feet, the young soul was seen crying relentlessly while clapping simultaneously.

Watch the video:

𝙈𝙄-𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙮 effort on a 𝙈𝙄-𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙮 occasion 💙@mipaltan seal the #Eliminator with a collective team performance ✌

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/R4RTzjQNeP#TATAIPL | #GTvMI | #TheLastMile pic.twitter.com/cJzBLVs8uM

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 30, 2025

GT's season has officially come to a close. They missed a spot in the final this time, but the 2022 champions have displayed extraordinary brilliance this season. As the dust settles on the 2025 season, GT would hope that they take positive takeaways and make necessary amends to become a more potent side ahead of the 2026 season. 

Coaches serve as the backbone of any team or franchise. In this ongoing IPL season, many have fared exceptionally well, whilst some, including the likes of Stephen Fleming from CSK, have come under the scanner for their team's disappointing performance. In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, former Australian legend Tom Moody was asked to name the best coach of the IPL 2025 season.

Moody was given two options at a time to select from. The names of numerous legendary figures came up during the discussion featuring the likes of Fleming, Flower, Jayawardene, Vettori, and Langer to name a few. He named his favorite picks based on their ongoing performance in this current season and not their historical performance. 

Moody names his favorite pick

Best coach of IPL 2025? 👀 pic.twitter.com/gt0W1oiLnm

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 27, 2025

Moody's answers certainly took a few users by surprise. First up, he was asked to make a selection between Fleming and Jayawardene. The former SRH legend picked Jayawardene's side on this one. Next up, he was asked to pick either NZ great Vettori or Jayawardene. Much to everyone's surprise, his preference remained the same as he chose Jayawardene over his Trans-Tasman rival. 

However, as the conversation progressed, he stumbled upon a minor roadblock when he was asked to make a tough choice between Zimbabwe legend Andy Flower and Jayawardene. He took a momentary pause before preferring Flower over the Lankan legend. Flower, then, seemed to be his consistent preference over Badani and Dravid. But that changed once again when Ashish Nehra from GT came into the picture. Moody recognized Nehra's instrumental contribution to the franchise not only in this season but also the prior seasons. 

And as fate would have it, Nehra emerged as Moody's favorite pick as he choose him over his Aussie counterparts like Langer and Ponting. This remarkable revelation left fans in awe since most of them, many of whom are from India, expected Moody to prefer his former teammates over Ashish Nehra. 

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With IPL 2025 set to resume on Saturday, 17th May, after an eight-day gap due to the military conflicts between India and Pakistan, seven teams are still in contention for the playoff berths. This forced break, courtesy of the geopolitical issues, forced the IPL Governing Council to release a revised schedule for the remaining matches. The 17 matches left have been shifted to six different locations, making it quite cramped for the teams, while also eliminating the last benefits of a home or away setting in the current season. 

This temporary pause couldn't have come at a worse time for Gujarat Titans (GT). Standing at the top of the points table, they would've hoped for continuity. But uncontrollable circumstances came their way, and now they would aim to pick up from where they left off, gaining consistency and momentum for one last push for the season. But in the absence of Jos Buttler for the final stretch, the Gujarat-based franchise will have to make some bold decisions in order to fill that void. 

See Also: BCCI drops bomb shell update on replacement players of remainder of IPL 2025

GT Qualification Scenario for IPL 2025

Matches Played: 11, Points: 16, Net Run Rate (NRR): 0.793

Upcoming Matches: Home – LSG (22^nd May), CSK (25^th May); Away – DC (18^th May)

Best Possible Finish: 22 points 

Gujarat Titans (GT) have bagged 16 points so far in their campaign and have 6 more points to play with. Their remaining matches are against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at their fortress, Ahmedabad. They also play an away game against fellow playoff chasers in Delhi Capitals (DC), in Delhi. They're a force to reckon with at their home and can ensure destiny by winning their first two games after the resumption.

GT, though, are just one win away from making the playoffs. 18 points will assure a team of a top-four finish. However, if they lose their three remaining games, they could get knocked out as four teams can still finish on 17 or more points. Titans have a favourable itinerary too, with their last two games scheduled at home in Ahmedabad, where they have a formidable 4-1 record so far this season. Their net run rate is currently second only to Mumbai Indians (MI), which could aid them with qualification and a top-two finish.

In a sensational conclusion to the rain-hit IPL 2025 between the Mumbai Indians and the Gujarat Titans, GT head coach Ashish Nehra was in the limelight—but for the wrong reasons. The ex-India pacer was clearly agitated in the last few minutes of the match, apparently appealing to umpires to get play going after a long rain stoppage.

Nehra was fined 25% of his match fee and given one demerit point for violating Article 2.20 of the IPL Code of Conduct, relating to "conduct that is against the spirit of the game," reports say. The IPL itself did not cite the nature of the offense, only the breach and resulting punishments.

Also read: KKR vs CSK : Match 57 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

This is the first time ever in IPL history that a coach has been given a demerit point for violating the code of conduct of the league. Though there have been disciplinary actions against several players over the years, this action indicates that coaches are also now responsible for on-field conduct.

The incident provides yet another level of tension to what has been an already closely fought IPL season, with playoff races intensifying and tempers fraying as teams battle for qualification.

Also read: 'Dharmo Rakshati Rakshata'— cricket world reaction on Operation Sindoor

Match Summary: GT Win Last-Ball Thriller through DLS

In IPL 2025 Match 56, Gujarat Titans (GT) narrowly defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 3 wickets, winning under the DLS method after rain interrupted the game. MI posted a competitive total of 155/8 in 20 overs, with Will Jacks top-scoring with 53 off 35 balls, supported by Suryakumar Yadav’s 35 and Corbin Bosch’s 27. Despite some good batting contributions, the Gujarat bowlers, led by Sai Kishore (2/34), kept the MI batting in check. However, rain interrupted play, and the DLS adjustment set Gujarat a target of 148 runs in 19 overs, putting extra pressure on the chasing team.

Gujarat Titans responded with a calculated chase, led by Shubman Gill’s 43 off 46 balls and Jos Buttler’s 30 off 27. The innings gained momentum thanks to Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 28 off 15 balls. Despite efforts from MI bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah (2/19) and Trent Boult (2/22), the rain-adjusted target made it more manageable for Gujarat. They successfully held their nerve and crossed the line on the final delivery, clinching a thrilling victory by 3 wickets under the DLS method.

Gujarat Titans have won their third game by beating the mighty SRH team in their own backyard. Gujarat Titans captain Subhman Gill won the toss and elected to field first on the covered black soil pitch. SRH who are on the verge of loss expected to gain momentum at their home ground. But it was the total opposite of what they thought of SRH with their strong batting lineup tending to lose wickets at the regular intervals.
SRH mainly known for their aggressive batting side, felt completely shattered against Mohammad Siraj. SRH despite quite a good start lost the plot at regular intervals. There was no bigger partnership, in the end, it was captain Pat Cummins who blew some boundaries and six, he scored 22 runs out of 9 balls which helped SRH to cross the 150 mark. But Gujarat Titans planned their chase. 

Read More: IPL 2025: MS Dhoni breaks silence on IPL retirement amid retirement rumours
Gujarat Titans With Their Third Win In The League
Gujarat restricted mighty SRH within 153 runs and to win their historic game they needed to chase 154 runs within 20 overs, but Gujarat Titans lost their two for middle batsman Sai Sudharshan and Jos Butler who were the heroes of the last game. Though Captain Gill and Washington Sundar retaliated in the innings, that too Sundar was taking some risks to clear the boundary which benefitted GT a lot. Both ensured a secure partnership and were heading towards victory. 

Washington Sundar was added for this game, though he wasn't able to get the ball in hand but gave a huge impact with the bat, when Jos Butler's wicket was down ultimately the pressure built up for GT. Washington Sundar had other plans he counter-attacked the SRH bowlers with boundaries and sixes which just shifted the momentum to the GT side. Both Gill and Washington Sundar played brilliantly, but against the run of play, Washington Sundar was caught out, and the remaining procedures were taken care of by Rutherford and Gill. 
Sourav Ganguly Impressed With Ashish Nehra's Coaching Style
Gujarat Titans was formed in 2021 and the franchise roped Ashish Nehra as their head coach the very next year Gujarat Titans won their first IPL title and even coach Ashish Nehra was praised for his coaching technique. Dada goes on to say that There is a lot of cricket brain in their team set-up and their approach .. Ashish Nehra has really shown his qualities as head coach.. tremendous game sense. 

Like the way Gujarat has gone about their job in IPL since the first season . There is lot of cricket brain in their team set up and their approach .. Ashish Nehra has really shown his qualities as head coach.. tremendous game sense .. @IPL

— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) April 6, 2025

Subhman Gill as captain is improving a lot, getting the tosses right, use of bowlers, field placements and today the tactics of playing Washington Sundar and bringing him up the order. Ashish Nehra too deserves applause for guiding the team in the right way and ensuring everything goes right. 

In a high-pressure ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium, Hardik Pandya made history with his outstanding bowling performance. After Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat, the Indian all-rounder made an impact by taking the key wickets of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, becoming the highest wicket-taker against Pakistan in ICC tournaments.

🚨 𝑴𝑰𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑶𝑵𝑬 🚨

Indian star all-rounder Hardik Pandya joins the 200 wickets club in International cricket 🇮🇳🤝

One of the top class all-rounder! 💙🔥#HardikPandya #India #Tests #ODIs #T20Is pic.twitter.com/CX9TfTKWDb

— Harkishan Mahedele (@mahedele20181) February 23, 2025

Hardik now has 15 wickets against Pakistan in ICC matches, Passing Mitchell Starc (11 wickets), Ashish Nehra (10 wickets), and Ravindra Jadeja (10 wickets). His ability to perform in big games against Pakistan has made him one of India’s most reliable players in ICC tournaments.

Most Wickets vs Pakistan in ICC Matches

Hardik Pandya - 15 wickets

 
Mitchell Starc - 11 wickets  

Ashish Nehra - 10 wickets  

Ravindra Jadeja - 10 wickets  

Irfan Pathan - 9 wickets

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Hardik Pandya Known for his aggressive bowling and ability to break partnerships in the tough times, Hardik has become India's go-to bowler in crucial matches. His 15 wickets in ICC tournaments show his consistency and success against Pakistan. With his all-round skills and calmness under pressure, Hardik remains a key player in India's ICC trophies.

Former Indian left-arm pacer Ashish Nehra and former England cricketer Vikram Solanki have played crucial roles in Gujarat Titans’ early successes. Their possible fates in the Gujarat Titans have been revealed.

Gujarat Titans made their IPL debut in the 2022 season. Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, the Titans won the title in their first season (2022) and finished as the runners-up in their second season (2023). 

Due to the exit of Hardik, Gujarat Titans chose Shubman Gill as the new captain for the IPL 2024. However, the Titans struggled in the IPL 2024 and finished in eighth place.

SEE ALSO: Trevor Bayliss and Sanjay Bangar exit Punjab Kings: Report

Nehra and Solanki have been with Gujarat Titans since their IPL debut

After the disappointing IPL 2024 performances, there were several rumours of major changes in the coaching staff. The batting coach and mentor Gary Kirsten already left the team for the head coach role of the Pakistan national cricket team. Meanwhile, the head coach Ashish Nehra and the director of cricket Vikram Solanki’s contracts had been ended soon after the IPL 2024.

Gujarat Titans may experience ownership changes soon. Torrent Pharma, an Ahmedabad-based company, has reportedly shown interest in acquiring a major and controlling stake in this IPL team. Amid the ownership change rumour, there was news about the exit of Nehra and Solanki from the team. 

Experienced coaching staff are important

However, according to the recent Cricbuzz report, Nehra and Solanki are likely to continue their roles for Gujarat Titans for the next season, IPL 2025. 

It is a crucial time for every IPL team. While every IPL team will have a short-limited power of retention, which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will announce soon, every team will then participate in the mega auction to fill up the squad. 

The short retention and mega auction are very crucial for each team. An experienced coaching staff can guide the team management to set up a strong squad.  

Former India pacer Ashish Nehra has opened up on the rapport that Gambhir and Kohli share. Both of them have been at the centre of a few on-field tussles, with the most recent coming in the Indian Premier League 2023 season as well. Both the cricketing icons wear their passion on their sleeves, and everyone is waiting to see them together as well.

“The things on the outside, people get an impression about it”- Ashish Nehra

“Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are two very passionate individuals. Whenever they play for a team, they can turn up against the opposition. But, when they are together in a dressing room, they are together, united for the team. You’re talking about Virat Kohli, who has an experience of over 16-17 years, Gautam Gambhir is also experienced. The things on the outside, people get an impression about it. It’s not just Gambhir and Kohli, there are so many players who have had on-field spats in the past, but when they play together for a team, they have done well as a player, as a coach-captain, as a coach and senior player,” said Nehra, as per India Today.

Gautam Gambhir, who takes over the Team India head coach job from Rahul Dravid who is not similar in personality in comparison as well. Despite the drastic shift, Ashish Nehra isn’t expect Kohli and Gambhir to have problems in the team as well.

“Gautam Gambhir is upfront, transparent which is great. He keeps it clear and speaks his mind. That’s very important. Yes, I agree, everybody has their own style (of coaching), to operate with the coach, captain and player. I don’t see any problem with these two and where they are in their careers,” said Nehra.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

“No, I am not surprised” – Ashish Nehra on Hardik Pandya’s snub from T20 captaincy

Nehra also said he was not surprised by the Indian management’s decision not to appoint Hardik Pandya as the new T20I captain as well. Nehra said that he understood the decision of chief selector Ajit Agarkar and newly-appointed coach Gautam Gambhir as they picked Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain.

Hardik Pandya, who led India in T20Is in 2023, was Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in June in the USA and the West Indies. While Hardik was likely to replace Rohit as T20I captain after Rohit retired from the format, the BCCI announced Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain for the upcoming three-match series in Sri Lanka as well.

“No, I am not surprised. When it comes to cricket, these things keep happening. Yes, Hardik Pandya was vice-captain in the World Cup, but at the same time, there is a new coach who has come in. Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir’s) ideas are toward that direction,” Nehra told India Today’s sister channel SportsTak.

“I think Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir have made it clear, that’s good. He is playing one format, 50-over also, he is playing less. Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket. When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings in a different balance to the side and keep in mind, that there’s no impact player in international cricket. Not just Hardik Pandya, but when you have so many matches, there will be changes. Even Rishabh Pant has captained, KL Rahul has captained,” he concluded.

The next IPL season will see big changes in the coaching setups of many teams. Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar, and Ryan ten Doeschate have left Kolkata Knight Riders to join the Indian team’s coaching staff, and Ricky Ponting has ended his time as head coach of Delhi Capitals.

According to News18, head coach Ashish Nehra and Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki might leave Gujarat Titans before IPL 2025. Last season, GT finished eighth on the points table under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, who took over from Hardik Pandya.

Nehra and Solanki joined the Titans in IPL 2022 and led the team to their first title in their debut season, a huge achievement. Titans had a great run in IPL 2023, reaching the final where Chennai Super Kings beat them. However, this year, they missed the playoffs after failing to replace all rounder Hardik Pandya, who was traded to Mumbai Indians, and also missed the injured Mohammad Shami.

Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki likely to leave Gujarat Titans

The report mentions that Titans are talking to Yuvraj Singh about joining the coaching staff as Nehra and Solanki are expected to leave.

“Lot of changes on the cards. Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki are highly likely to move on and discussions around Yuvraj Singh have already begun. Nothing is finalised right now but there could be some major changes in the coaching staff of the Gujarat Titans,” says a source

Yuvraj Singh in talks for coaching role with Gujarat Titans

Yuvraj has mentored GT captain Shubman Gill before, and they share a great bond off the field, but Yuvraj has no IPL coaching experience.

Gary Kirsten, who was Titans assistant coach for the past three seasons, has already left to become head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Other coaching staff members like Aashish Kapoor, Naeem Amin, Narender Negi, and Mithun Manhas are also expected to leave if Nehra and Solanki depart.

IPL owners set to meet BCCI

IPL team owners will probably meet with the BCCI on July 30 or 31. The exact date isn’t set yet, but the meeting will happen this month to finalize player retentions and discuss the Impact Player rule and salary cap before the mega auction.

BCCI officials and top executives from various IPL teams have already had one round of discussions. Final decisions will be made when the owners meet with the BCCI’s top leaders.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to release an advertisement for the highly coveted position of head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. With Rahul Dravid’s tenure as coach set to conclude, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the appointment of his successor.

Rahul Dravid’s Tenure and Potential Reapplication

Rahul Dravid, the current head coach of Team India, is nearing the end of his tenure, which is scheduled to conclude in June. However, BCCI’s secretary Jay Shah has clarified that Dravid can reapply for the position if he wishes to continue his coaching journey with the Indian team. Despite this opportunity, it is unlikely that Dravid will extend his tenure beyond June, given his long stint in the role.

Exploring Potential Contenders

As speculation mounts regarding the next head coach of Team India, several potential contenders have emerged, both from India and abroad. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise, making the selection process all the more intriguing.

See Also: Watch: Rohit Sharma’s chat with Abhishek Nayar goes viral, KKR delete video

1. VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman’s coaching journey with Team India began on a high note, with successful stints in the T20 series and a gold medal triumph at the Asian Games 2023. One of Laxman’s notable coaching achievements came during the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, where he led the Indian team to a gold medal triumph.

Currently serving as the Director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and head coach of the Indian U-19 team, Laxman’s strategic understanding and commitment to player development make him a compelling candidate for the head coach role.

2. Ricky Ponting

With extensive coaching experience, including successful stints with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals in the IPL, Ricky Ponting emerges as a formidable foreign candidate. He was the coach of Mumbai Indians from 2014-2016 and led them to a trophy in 2015. Post that, he had a couple of coaching stints with the Aussie side in 2017, and then in a tri-series later in the year as well. Then he has been coaching the Delhi Capitals side since 2018.

His proven track record as both a player and a coach, coupled with his astute cricketing acumen, positions him as a strong contender for the Team India head coach role.

3. Ashish Nehra

Despite his unorthodox coaching style, Ashish Nehra has made significant strides in the coaching arena. He has led the Gujarat Titans to wonders with the Gujarat Titans, having won the title in 2022, and making finals in 2023 and earned praise for his camaraderie with players.

In fact, if reports are to be believed, Nehra was offered the role of Team India’s T20I coach, but he declined the offer, in November 2023, after the World Cup. That was perhaps due to his contract with IPL franchise GT.

While his coaching experience may be limited, Nehra’s deep understanding of the game and ability to foster a positive team environment make him a compelling candidate for the position.

4. Andy Flower

Andy Flower’s coaching pedigree speaks for itself, with notable achievements as head coach of the England cricket team, including Ashes victories and an ICC T20 World Cup triumph.

His extensive coaching experience spans various cricketing leagues, currently overseeing teams like Multan Sultans (MS) in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and St Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Flower’s diverse coaching background and proven track record make him an enticing prospect for any cricketing outfit, including Team India. His analytical approach and innovative strategies could inject fresh vitality into Team India’s tactics, making him a sought-after candidate for the head coach role.

5. Gautam Gambhir

As a former India opener and mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir brings a unique blend of aggression and leadership to the coaching arena. He was also Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor during the IPL 2022 edition. Gambhir was impressive and expressive as LSG reached the playoffs in their debut season in the T20 league.

While his coaching experience may be limited compared to other contenders, Gambhir’s passion for the game and commitment to excellence make him a compelling candidate for the Team India head coach position.