Ashish Nehra is among the finest left arm seamers that India has ever produced. In a career that saw many injuries and setbacks, Nehra continued his struggle and efforts to become a legend of Indian Cricket.
Ashish Nehra was a key member of the Indian Squad that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and had numerous impactful performances. Fans still remember Nehra for his impactful performances at the big stages.
The best thing about Ashish Nehra was that he never gave up. He always believed in his ability to comeback from injuries. Ashish Nehra’s stats may not do justice to the kind of bowler he was.
But fans will always admire him for giving his 100% for India.
Early Life of Ashish Nehra | Legends of Indian Cricket | Indian Fast Bowler:
Ashish Nehra was born in a Hindu Jat Family in Delhi in the year 1979. Nehra was always very skinny and bony. However, the frail stature did not stop him from becoming a fast bowler.
Nehra started his cricketing career in Delhi with local clubs. He and Virender Sehwag played most of their initial cricket together.
Ashish Nehra – Domestic Career:
Ashish Nehra made his Ranji Trophy debut for Delhi in 1997. On the basis of his impressive talent, good pace, and swing, Nehra was soon in the mix for an India debut.
Ashish Nehra – International Career:
Ashish Nehra made his international debut for India in February 1999. India was playing against Sri Lanka in Colombo when Ashish Nehra was handed over the debut cap. Nehra was India’s test cap number 220.
It was a flat pitch, where bowlers did not get much help. Nehra’s first international wicket was Sri Lanka’s legendary batter Marvan Attapatu.
Similarly, Nehra’s ODI debut came against Zimbabwe in June 2001. That was the time when Nehra actually emerged at the International Circuit. The performances meant that Nehra had established himself as an exciting new ball bowler who could swing the ball both ways.
For the first time in 15 years, India won a Test outside of the subcontinent thanks in large part to his performance in Bulawayo during that series. After that, he had trouble making a name for himself because of his inconsistent play and injuries, which caused him to drop off the list of fast bowlers.
The World Cup match against England in 2003 was the high point of Nehra’s career, when he picked up 6 wickets for 23 runs. However, injuries continued to follow Nehra for the rest of his career. Midway through the 2005 Zimbabwe tour, he pulled out, and his career was hampered by a series of ankle procedures.
He gained popularity for his admirable performances in the IPL, especially in the second season, and was summoned back into the ODI team for the West Indies trip in June 2009.
Ashish Nehra – Comeback and World Cup Glory:
He gained popularity for his admirable performances in the IPL, especially in the second season, and was summoned back into the ODI team for the West Indies trip in June 2009.
His 31 ODI wickets in 2009 were a record for him, and he backed it up with another 28 in 2010 to solidify his spot in India’s World Cup roster for 2011. In the semi-final of that competition, he bowled a match-winning spell against Pakistan.
However, an injury ruled him out of the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. India went on to win the World Cup after beating Sri Lanka in the final in Mumbai.
Nehra had impressive seasons with Chennai Super Kings in 2015 and 2016. The performances brought him back into India colours as he was a part of India’s squad for the 2016 ICC World T20.
Ashish Nehra – Retirement:
In November 2017, Nehra announced his retirement from all forms of Cricket.
Ashish Nehra, The Coach:
Ashish Nehra turned to coaching and worked with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL for two seasons. In 2022, he became the head coach of Gujrat Titans. The team won the IPL in its first season. Nehra has been hailed as a great coach in recent years.
