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| Nehra - File Photo |
Amidst rumors of a potential change in ownership, Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki are set to continue their roles with Gujarat Titans (GT) for the 2025 IPL season. Reports suggest that Torrent Pharma, an Ahmedabad-based company, is in talks to acquire a majority stake in the franchise. However, despite the anticipated shake-up, the coaching duo will remain with the team, at least for the time being.
Nehra, who has been with the franchise since its successful debut, signed a three-year contract after leading the Titans to their first title. Similarly, Solanki, the director of cricket, also had his contract extended after the team’s stellar performance. The pair, reportedly among the highest-paid coaches in the IPL, with salaries close to $1 million (₹8 crore), have managed to retain their positions despite the uncertain circumstances.
The Titans’ Roller-Coaster Journey
The Titans experienced a dramatic rise in their debut season, clinching the IPL title under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. In the following season, they nearly defended their title, only losing in the final against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), when Ravindra Jadeja hit a six and a four off the last two balls to snatch victory. However, in the 2024 season, with Pandya having moved to Mumbai Indians, the team struggled and finished eighth.
Despite these setbacks, the Titans' board, which includes CVC Capital executives Nick Clarry, Siddharth Patel, and Amit Soni, decided to retain Nehra and Solanki for the next season. There is still speculation about whether they will seek a replacement for Gary Kirsten, the former batting coach and mentor, who joined Pakistan’s white-ball team after the 2024 season.
Potential Ownership Change
While rumors persist about Torrent Pharma's interest in acquiring the franchise, there has been no official communication to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI must be informed of any ownership changes, and it is entitled to a five percent share of the financial transaction. A change in ownership could only occur after February 2025 due to a three-year lock-in period currently binding the owners.
Retention Rules for the Upcoming IPL Season
In the midst of these changes, the BCCI is expected to announce player retention rules for the upcoming IPL season. Franchises are eagerly awaiting these guidelines, which could be released soon. While the IPL Governing Council must formally approve these rules, BCCI office-bearers have the authority to make decisions and later have them ratified.
Keywords:
Ashish Nehra, Vikram Solanki, Gujarat Titans, Torrent Pharma, IPL 2024, IPL ownership change, CVC Capital, Gary Kirsten, Hardik Pandya, BCCI, IPL player retention rules.
