Ashish Nehra
The left-arm fast bowler who helped India win the 2011 World Cup and shared in the 2002 Champions Trophy title.
Ashish Nehra is a former Indian cricketer and current coach who played for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. Born on 29 April 1979 in Sadar Bazaar, Delhi, Nehra was a left-arm fast bowler known for his ability to swing the ball. He was a member of the Indian team that was one of the joint-winners of the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy and the team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup, though he did not play in the final. Nehra announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in late 2017, with his last appearance being a Twenty20 International against New Zealand on 1 November 2017 at Feroz Shah Kotla Ground.
- Role
- Left-arm Fast Bowler
- Status
- Retired from Active Play
- Bowling Style
- Left-arm fast-medium
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Ashish Nehra's journey to international cricket began with scooter rides alongside Virender Sehwag to the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in Delhi, where they would go to play cricket. This dedication helped him rise through the ranks and eventually join the Delhi team for the Ranji Trophy. Nehra made his international debut against Sri Lanka. On 26 February 2003, during the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, Nehra took 6 for 23 against England, which stood as the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in Cricket World Cup history until Mohammad Shami surpassed it on 15 November 2023. Nehra was named in the 'Team of the Tournament' for the 2016 T20 World Cup by the ICC and ESPNcricinfo. In the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy, he took 6/16 from 10 overs to bowl out Vidarbha for 88 in the first innings at the Roshanara Club Ground in Delhi. After recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of the 2007–08 Ranji season, Nehra joined the Indian Premier League, signing with the Mumbai Indians franchise. For his performances in 2014 and 2015 for Chennai Super Kings, he was named in the ESPNcricinfo CLT20 XI.
In Their Own Story
Ashish Nehra's international career featured a standout moment on 26 February 2003, when he took 6 for 23 against England during the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup. This performance set a record for the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in World Cup history, a mark that stood until Mohammad Shami surpassed it on 15 November 2023. Nehra was part of the Indian team that was one of the joint-winners of the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, sharing the title with Sri Lanka. He also contributed to India's 2011 Cricket World Cup victory, though he did not play in the final. In domestic cricket, Nehra delivered a remarkable spell in the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy, taking 6/16 from 10 overs to dismiss Vidarbha for just 88 in the first innings at the Roshanara Club Ground in Delhi. After an ankle injury sidelined him for the 2007–08 Ranji season, Nehra entered the IPL with the Mumbai Indians. Later, his performances for Chennai Super Kings in 2014 and 2015 earned him a spot in the ESPNcricinfo CLT20 XI.
Reader's Guide
Ashish Nehra transitioned into coaching after his playing career. In January 2018, Royal Challengers Bangalore appointed him as their bowling coach, a position he retained for the 2019 IPL. In January 2022, Nehra was appointed head coach of the newly formed Indian Premier League franchise Gujarat Titans. Under his leadership, Gujarat Titans finished top of the table in the 2022 IPL season and went on to win the trophy by defeating Rajasthan Royals in the final. With that victory, Nehra became the first Indian head coach to win the Indian Premier League.
Did You Know?
- Ashish Nehra took 6 for 23 against England on 26 February 2003, which was the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in Cricket World Cup history until Mohammad Shami surpassed it on 15 November 2023.
- Nehra was named in the 'Team of the Tournament' for the 2016 T20 World Cup by both the ICC and ESPNcricinfo.
- In the 2013–14 Ranji Trophy, Nehra took 6/16 from 10 overs to bowl out Vidarbha for 88 in the first innings at the Roshanara Club Ground in Delhi.
- Nehra became the first Indian head coach to win the Indian Premier League when he led Gujarat Titans to the title in the 2022 IPL season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ashish Nehra?
He serves as a core figure in the team's history known for his left-arm pace during the franchise's start. His presence defined the winning culture that emerged early on.
What was his specific role in 2008?
He led the bowling attack by securing vital wickets throughout that historic inaugural campaign. His performance was key as the squad secured their place in history as the league's first winners.
Is Ashish Nehra still playing cricket?
No, he has officially stepped away from active professional competition. Although retired, his name remains celebrated within the club's records.
What kind of bowler was he for RR?
He utilized a left-arm fast-medium style that challenged batters with speed and swing. This specific technique made him a standout performer during his time there.
Why do fans remember him today?
Supporters honor him as the iconic player who guided the team to victory in the very first tournament. His contributions are viewed as essential to the franchise's golden era identity.