As the Indian Premier League – 2025 IPL auction approaches, Gujarat Titans are gearing up for significant changes. Despite widespread speculation about a potential ownership change, Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki are set to continue in their respective coaching roles, providing much-needed stability to the franchise.
Duo to stay for IPL 2025
Ashish Nehra, the head coach of Gujarat Titans, and Vikram Solanki, the director of cricket, were expected to be part of a coaching overhaul as Torrent Pharma, an Ahmedabad-based pharmaceutical giant, is reportedly in talks to acquire a majority stake in the IPL franchise. However, sources within the team have confirmed to Cricbuzz that Nehra and Solanki will continue to lead the team through the IPL 2025 season.
Both Nehra and Solanki have been key figures in Gujarat Titans’ rise since their debut season, with contracts originally signed for three years after the team’s title-winning first season. Their impressive performance on the field, which included nearly defending their title in the second season, led to contract renegotiations, placing them among the highest-paid coaching staff in the league. Reportedly, their salaries are approaching a million dollars each, close to ₹8 crore.
IPL 2025 Auction Crucial for Team Reshaping
The continuation of Nehra and Solanki ahead of the IPL 2025 Auction is critical for the Gujarat Titans, especially as they look to rebuild after a challenging season. With Hardik Pandya’s departure to Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2024 season, the Titans finished a disappointing eighth, a far cry from their title-contending status in earlier seasons. The upcoming auction will provide an opportunity to reshuffle the squad and strengthen key positions, especially under the guidance of Nehra and Solanki.
Support staff of Gujarat Titans to remain Intact
In addition to Nehra and Solanki, the franchise has decided to retain much of its coaching staff, including assistant coaches Aashish Kapoor, Mithun Manhas, Narendra Negi, and UK-based Naeem Amin, along with Sandeep Raju, who serves as the performance analyst. However, the one position up for potential change is that of Gary Kirsten, the former batting coach and mentor, who left the Titans to join Pakistan’s white-ball team after the 2024 season. A new batting coach may be brought in before the 2025 auction to fill Kirsten’s spot.
Ownership Change at Gujarat Titans: What’s Next?
Despite the coaching stability, the ownership change rumors continue to swirl. Torrent Pharma is reportedly in advanced discussions to buy a controlling stake in the Gujarat Titans from CVC Capital, the current owners. However, no formal communication has been made to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to IPL regulations, any change in the ownership structure must be reported to the BCCI, which is entitled to five percent of the transaction.
For now, CVC Capital executives, including key figures like Nick Clarry, Siddharth Patel, and Amit Soni, remain silent about the sale process. Torrent Pharma has also refrained from making any public comments. Any official change in ownership would only be possible after February 2025, when the three-year lock-in period for the current owners expires.
Looking Ahead to IPL 2025 Auction
With the IPL 2025 auction looming, Gujarat Titans are entering a critical phase of their journey. The continued presence of Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki offers the team a chance to maintain continuity amid uncertainty. Whether the potential ownership change will impact the franchise’s long-term future remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes are on the Titans as they prepare for the next chapter in their IPL story.
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