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Ashish Nehra is a former Indian cricketer who played for the national team in all formats of the game. Known for his left-arm fast bowling, he was one of India's most successful bowlers in T20 cricket. Nehra announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2017, after a career spanning nearly two decades. He was a member of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup and also played an instrumental role in India's first-ever Test win outside the subcontinent in 15 years during their tour to Zimbabwe in 2001.
Born on April 29, 1979, in Sadar Bazaar, Delhi Cantonment, Nehra comes from a Hindu Jat family. He grew up playing cricket with tennis balls on the streets of Delhi and was soon spotted by a local cricket coach who identified his talent for fast bowling.
Nehra's father owned a flour mill and wanted him to take over the family business, but he had other plans. After completing his schooling at Holy Child Auxilium School in Delhi, he enrolled at Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce but dropped out to pursue cricket full-time. He made his domestic debut for Delhi at the age of 18 and quickly made a name for himself as a promising fast bowler. In just his second season, he took five wickets against Haryana and helped Delhi win their first Ranji Trophy title in over four decades.
Nehra's performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of national selectors, and he made his international debut in a Test match against Sri Lanka in February 1999. However, it wasn't until India's tour to Zimbabwe in June-July 2001 that he established himself as an integral part of the team.
In a historic Test match in Harare, Nehra took 5 for 43 in the first innings to help India win their first Test outside the subcontinent in 15 years. He followed it up with a spell of 6 for 59 in the second innings to help India win the match and draw the series.
Nehra's performance earned him a spot in India's squad for the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, where he had one of his best tournaments. He finished as India's highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets from nine matches and played a crucial role in their run to the finals.
In his international career spanning nearly two decades, Nehra played in all formats of cricket. He represented India in 17 Tests, taking 44 wickets at an average of 42.4. In ODIs, he played 120 matches and took 157 wickets at an average of 31.7. In T20 internationals, he played 27 matches and took 34 wickets at an economy rate of just over seven runs per over.
Nehra had a side-on action and a fine wrist position, which enabled him to land the ball on the seam and generate movement both ways off the pitch. His stock delivery was one that cut back into the right-hander viciously, while he could also slant the ball across them.
One of his most memorable performances came during India's group stage match against England in Durban at the ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa. Nehra produced one of the finest exhibitions of seam and swing bowling by an Indian bowler, taking figures of six for just twenty-three runs – still his best ODI figures - as England were bowled out for just eighty-two runs.
After retiring from international cricket, Nehra turned his attention to T20 leagues around the world. He played for Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 2014 and 2015, he was named in the Cricinfo CLT20 XI for his performances for Chennai Super Kings.
In January 2018, Nehra was appointed as the bowling coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and retained his position for the 2019 season. In January 2022, he was appointed as the head coach of Gujarat Titans and led them to their first IPL title in their debut season.
Ashish Nehra's career is a testament to his perseverance and determination to succeed. Despite being plagued by injuries throughout his career, he never lost sight of his passion for cricket. His ability to swing the ball both ways with accuracy made him one of India's most effective bowlers in all formats of the game. Today, Nehra is regarded not only as a great cricketer but also as a successful coach who has helped young bowlers hone their skills on the field.
Ashish Nehra was a player who rose to the occasion in major tournaments and series, leaving his mark in the cricketing world. One of his most memorable performances came during the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup where he delivered one of the greatest spells of fast bowling by an Indian bowler, taking 6 wickets for just 23 runs against England. This remains his best-ever ODI bowling figure and is a record that is yet to be broken in World Cup history.
Nehra was also part of India's historic campaign to lift their second ICC World Cup title in 2011. He played a significant role in India's journey to the final, picking up key wickets at crucial junctures. The left-arm seamer has been known to be a big-match player, with his ability to swing and seam the ball making him a potent threat on any surface.
Apart from World Cups, Nehra has had success in other major tournaments as well. He played a critical role in India's joint win with Sri Lanka at the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002. In addition, Nehra was instrumental in India's victory at the Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka back in 2010. His consistent performances throughout the tournament ensured that he finished as one of India's leading wicket-takers.
Moving away from international tournaments, Nehra made a name for himself as an indispensable component of several IPL franchises over the years. He played for Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils before joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with whom he had two impressive seasons. Nehra proved to be instrumental for CSK during their victorious 2018 season, where they lifted their third IPL title.
As a left-arm fast bowler known for his accuracy and variation of line and length, Ashish Nehra played a crucial role in India's bowling attack. His ability to generate late swing and seam movement made him a valuable asset, especially in the limited-overs format of the game.
Nehra was primarily known for his skills as a fast bowler. He had an attacking line and length, which meant that he often tested the batsman's technique. The left-arm seamer had an uncanny ability to land the ball on the seam, which made it difficult for batsmen to anticipate movement off the pitch.
One of Nehra's trademark deliveries was his vicious inswinger that could leave right-handed batsmen stranded. The left-armer would also use his wrist position to good effect, slanting the ball across right-handed batsmen and making it difficult for them to get their bat anywhere near it.
While Nehra was known more for his bowling prowess than his batting skills, he did have some memorable contributions with the bat as well. One such notable knock came during India's tour of Zimbabwe back in 2001 when Nehra scored an unbeaten 19 off just 13 balls. His innings proved crucial in India winning their first-ever Test outside the subcontinent in 15 years.
Off the field, Ashish Nehra is known to be one of cricket's most down-to-earth personalities. Despite being one of India's leading fast bowlers at one point, Nehra remained humble and grounded throughout his career. His calm demeanour on and off the field earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike.
Nehra is also known to be an avid reader, with books being a constant companion while he was on tour with the Indian team. He has always shown interest beyond cricket and has been vocal about various environmental issues over time. In addition, he has been involved with charitable causes like child welfare through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
As a coach, Nehra has been highly successful as well. He served as the bowling coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore for two seasons before being appointed as head coach of Gujarat Titans in 2022. In his first season with the team, Nehra led them to their maiden IPL title, becoming the first Indian head coach to do so.
Off the field, Ashish Nehra is also known for his love for cars and bikes. He has been spotted driving some luxury cars over time and even participated in a bike rally in Delhi back in 2019. With his easy-going personality and affable nature, Nehra remains one of cricket's most-loved personalities even after retiring from the game.
Ashish Nehra has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket with his fiery pace and relentless accuracy. He has been an inspiration to many young cricketers who aspire to play for India someday. His ability to move the ball off the wicket and deliver a devastating late inswinger was one of his key strengths.
Nehra's standout performance in the 2003 World Cup against England, where he took 6 for 23, remains one of India's best bowling performances in World Cup history. His remarkable ability to bowl swing and seam on flat tracks made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.
Nehra played a crucial role in India's first-ever Test win outside the subcontinent in 15 years during their tour to Zimbabwe in 2001. He struggled with inconsistency and injuries throughout his career, but his resilience and determination saw him make a successful comeback to international cricket at the age of 36.
He became one of India's most successful bowlers in T20 cricket, playing a crucial role in India winning their first T20 World Cup title in 2007. He also played an integral part in India's victorious campaign at the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
Nehra's impact on Indian cricket is undeniable, having played across all formats of the game and contributed significantly throughout his career. His legacy as one of India's finest fast bowlers will always be remembered by cricket fans around the world.
Ashish Nehra has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket with several awards and accolades throughout his career. In addition, he has also held various honorary positions within major cricket organisations.
Nehra was named 'Team of the Tournament' for the 2016 T20 World Cup by both ICC and Cricinfo, highlighting his outstanding bowling performances at this tournament. In 2003, he was awarded the Arjuna Award, a prestigious honour bestowed upon athletes who have excelled in their respective sports.
Nehra has also been recognized for his contributions in domestic cricket. He was named in the Cricinfo CLT20 XI for his performances in both 2014 and 2015 while playing for Chennai Super Kings. Nehra was also named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2003.
Over the course of his career, Nehra held various honorary positions within major cricket organisations such as the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He has also served as a mentor and coach to various teams across Indian Premier League seasons.
Ashish Nehra's journey through Indian cricket will always be remembered by fans around the world. His relentless accuracy, fiery pace and swing made him a valuable asset to the Indian team across all formats of the game.
Despite several setbacks due to injuries throughout his career, Nehra remained determined and resilient, making a successful comeback to international cricket at an age when most players retire from the game.
His contribution to India's victorious campaigns at T20 World Cup 2007 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 remains etched in history books. Ashish Nehra's legacy as one of India's finest fast bowlers will continue inspiring generations of young cricketers to come.
FAQs
What were Ashish Nehra's strengths as a fast bowler?
Ashish Nehra was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate a good pace. He had a smooth bowling action and was particularly effective with the old ball.
Did Ashish Nehra face any major injuries during his career?
Yes, Ashish Nehra's career was marred by various injuries, especially to his ankle and back. He underwent multiple surgeries and had to go through rigorous rehabilitation periods to make comebacks.
When did Ashish Nehra retire from international cricket?
Ashish Nehra retired from international cricket on November 1, 2017. He played his last match, a T20 International, against New Zealand at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi.
What has Ashish Nehra been doing since his retirement?
After retiring from international cricket, Ashish Nehra transitioned into a coaching role. He has been actively involved as a cricket commentator and has served as a bowling coach for various teams, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore and as a head coach for Gujarat Titans.
