IPL: Ashish Nehra’s future at Gujarat Titans in limbo; Dravid to replace Sangakkara as RR head coach - Reports

Former India great and Gujarat Titans (GT) head coach Ashish Nehra could be on his way out ahead of the mega IPL auction later this year, per the latest report. With speculationof several franchises contemplating bringing wholesome changes to their setup, the GT leadership group, with its administrative head based in the UK and some officials in Mumbai and Singapore, has decided to revamp their coaching staff.

Elsewhere, Kumar Sangakkara might also be vacating the Rajasthan Royals’ head coach position, with the Britishmedia reportsclaiming that ECB has zeroed in on him as their new white-ball head coach. Considering Sangakkara's close relationship with the ECB’s managing director, Robert Key, he could pick up an international assignment, with the official announcement coming any time.

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“Well, I know my name has been mentioned for some reason, but there has not been any approach as such. I think the England white-ball job is an exciting prospect for anyone, but there are so many good candidates out there.

“I am very happy at the moment. The Rajasthan Royals experience has been very fulfilling and it has been a job I have really enjoyed over the last four years,” Sangakkara said, as quoted by the UK media.

Besides, the BCCI is unlikely to accept the idea of not hosting the mega auction, as suggested by some franchises during the top-tier meet earlier. Per a report in the Cricbuzz, the BCCI, at best, can allow six retentions ahead of the mega auction, including reactivating the Right to Match (RTM) card. During the previous mega auction in 2022, four retentions and no RTM were part of it.

Nehra could leave GT

GT tasted success under the leadership of Nehra, Gary Kirsten – mentor and batting coach, and Vikram Solanki - the director of cricket, with the team winning the IPL in its maiden edition (in 2022) and finishing runners up in 2023.However, several factors are driving these changes, including the departure of Kirsten, who joined the Pakistan Cricket Team as their new head coach.

Although the report suggests Solanki could weather this storm, Nehra is certain to depart ahead of the mega auction, the details of which are unknown to all.

Meanwhile, Nehra is also said to have upset a few individuals in the camp, and given how he kept things to himself in the previous edition compared to the ones before where his presence was felt inside the dressing room, is not coincidental.

(With inputs from agencies)