‘Talking With Ashish Nehra Gave Me Lot Of Confidence’, Reckons Gujarat Titans Pace Sensation Kartik Tyagi

Kartik Tyagi was bought by Gujarat Titans at the IPL 2024 player auctions last year in Dubai for Rs 60 lakhs.

New Delhi: Kartik Tyagi made headlines when his raw pace and swing impressed one and all during India’s road to final in the 2020 U-19 World Cup. The same year, the Uttar Pradesh lad got an IPL contract with Rajasthan Royals. However, he had to sit out in the India leg because of injury because proving his mettle in the UAE leg. Post that season, Tyagi warned the Sunrisers Hyderabad bench mostly for the next two editions before being snapped up by Gujarat Titans.

At Gujarat Titans, Tyagi had got what he wanted – mentorship from seniors. With the likes of senior pacers India Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma and head coach Ashish Nehra (a former India fast-bowler too). Not only he will be getting to learn more nuances of fast bowling, but also get hands-on experience of how to deal with tough times.

The 23-year-old emphasized how talking to Nehra gave him motivation and confidence. Ashish Nehra have gone this phase too (of injuries) and he has a better understanding being a former cricketer. So talking with him gave me a lot of confidence and the understanding between us helped a lot,” Tyagi told India.com and Cricket Country in an exclusive interview.

“He told me to get to the roots as why the injuries are happening and what should the practice routine during those periods,” he added. With Mohammed Shami missing the ongoing Indian Premier League due to a heel injury, Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack looked bleak.

However, Tyagi doesn’t feel so and reiterated that a team can called best when they perform with what available at that point of time. “Injuries are a part and parcel of the game and it has happened many times before that they have missed some top players due to injuries. You become a good team when you come out of that setback and give your best with what you have at your disposal,” he added.

With just four wins from 10 games, Gujarat Titans are seventh in the points table. If they have to qualify for playoffs, Gujarat Titans need to win all their remaining games and pray other results go their way too. Speaking on Gujarat Titans’ campaign in IPL 2024 so far, Tyagi said, “These things happen in cricket. A game should be treated as a game only and if you see, we have won very good games.

“Yes, we have had unfortunate moments with us. There are a lot of matches left to be played. The main IPL begins now and we have to implement the learnings in the upcoming games from the previous ones,” he concluded.

(Interview taken by Ankit Banerjee)