If in doubt, talk to Ashish Nehra: Pacer Ashok Sharma ahead of potential India debut

India’s latest pace sensation Ashok Sharma has credited Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehru for playing a key role in his rapid rise, saying the former India speedster was available “even midnight” whenever he needed advice.

One of the fastest bowlers in the country, Ashok is in line to make his India debut during the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe after earning his first national call-up after an impressive Indian Premier League season with Gujarat Titans.

Ahead of the start of the series, the Rajasthan pacer revealed how Nehra became much more than just a coach during their time together in Ahmedabad.

“Whenever I talk about faith, I think of Nehru sir. I used to go to him with every doubt. Whenever I had any doubts about myself or needed to ask something, I approached him,” Ashok told JioStar.

The 24-year-old said Nehra’s willingness to help at any hour of the day gave him the confidence to constantly seek feedback and improve.

“He once told me: Even if you come to me at midnight with a question, I will be ready for you.” So whenever I had any doubts, be it about the delivery or anything related to my bowling, I went to him.

“After the matches, I went to his room and watched videos of my bowling. I asked him what I could improve and what I need to work on. I consider him my mentor. I have learned so much from him in this IPL season and he has helped me a lot,” he said.

THE LAST SENSATION 150 KPH

Ashok announced himself in IPL 2026 by regularly touching the 150 km/h mark with a speed of 154.2 km/h during Gujarat Titans’ clash with Rajasthan Royals, instantly putting him on the radar of the national selectors.

Having now earned his first India call-up, he said wearing the national jersey remains his biggest dream, but added that Test cricket is the ultimate goal.

“My first goal will be to wear the India jersey. I am waiting for that moment to wear this jersey and represent my nation. Now that I am in the squad for the series against Zimbabwe, my next goal will be to take as many wickets as possible and try to play as many matches as possible. I want to make this opportunity count.”

“My next aim after that will be to play red-ball cricket for India as soon as possible,” Ashok said.

THE IDOLIZATION OF DALE STEYN

Ashok also spoke about the bowlers who shaped his journey. Growing up, he idolized South African great Dale Steyn, while his stint with Gujarat Titans allowed him to learn from veteran Indian pacers Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj.

Calling Steyn a complete fast bowler, Ashok said he admires the South African’s aggression, intensity and ability to single-handedly change games.

“Dale Steyn is a match-winning bowler in his own right. In his time when his bowling was on point, he could win matches by himself. He could take the game away from the opposition in a few overs.”

“I watch him in terms of his aggressiveness, his run-up, his intensity and the way he gets the batsmen used. Everything about him is inspiring. He’s someone I look up to as a fast bowler.”

Ashok revealed that Ishant’s advice on bowling the same length helped him think differently about his game, while Siraj was always willing to fine-tune his action during practice sessions.

“When I first joined the Gujarat Titans camp, Ishant Sharma bhai was standing there. He asked me about my recent performance, how many wickets I have taken in the Ranji Trophy and how my figures look. I told him, ‘Bhaiya, I have 16 wickets in four matches.’

“He said, ‘Everything looks good. You’re bowling well. But if you work a little bit more on your length, especially the good length areas, that 16 wickets in four matches will easily become 24. Just focus on batting that consistent length.’

Ashok said Siraj was also generous as he often watched several deliveries in the nets before suggesting subtle technical adjustments.

“I had a lot of conversations with Siraj bhaiya as well. I would discuss all these things with him. Siraj bhaiya would explain everything to me very well. He would stand with me and watch two or three of my deliveries. Then he would say, ‘Do this, do this change, try this.’

“So I learned a lot from him. I carried all these teachings with me. Whenever I have time to practice in Jaipur, I focus on these things and try to do them even better.”

With India looking to bounce back from a disappointing tour of Ireland and England, Ashok could now get an opportunity to showcase himself on the international stage, armed with the support of one of India’s best fast bowlers in Nehra.

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

21 Jul 2026 22:13 IST