Despite a career that saw him sporadically don the Indian jersey, Ashish Nehra became a beloved figure in Indian cricket. Known affectionately as 'Nehraji,' he hung up his boots in 2017, leaving behind a legacy filled with memorable bowling performances and a personality that could light up a room.
Nehra burst onto the international scene in 1999, playing a pivotal role in India’s journey to the 2003 World Cup final and being part of the victorious 2011 squad. His career might have been a roller coaster ride of injuries, but Nehra never lost his spark or his pace.
Always quick with a quip and never shy about sharing his thoughts, Nehra's candid nature and knack for storytelling made him as entertaining off the field as he was on it.
Let’s dive into some of his most memorable quotes that showcase the wit and charm of this cricketing icon.
Nehra roasts Greg Chappell
Ashish Nehra took a dig at former India coach Greg Chappell and, he did so, in a classic 'Nehraji' fashion.
"I didn’t play much under Greg Chappell save two series in 2005 (in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe). Mujhe pehle series se hi maloom thaa yeh biryani khichdi bannewali hain Greg ke under (I knew biryani would turn into Khichdi under Greg)."
Nehraji's candid answer
When Ashish Nehra was wished a happy retirement by former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, the ex-India pacer came up with a straightforward answer.
"I’m always happy, retired or not".
Nehra goes out on a high
Nehra found a place for himself in the shortest format of the game through his skillset and ability to outfox the batter. He could have continued for a bit longer but Nehra was determined to go out on a high.
"It is always better to retire when people are saying why rather than why not. I always wanted to retire on a high."
Old school Ashish Nehra
Nehra was asked about his opinion on the social media clash between the Indian fans and Bangladesh fans and the former India cricketer came up with a witty answer.
"You are asking this questions to a wrong person because I am somebody who’s not on social media and I’m still using my old Nokia. I’m not on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and I don’t read newspapers."
Only one thing can make Nehraji dance
Ashish Nehra made a candid admission and said that he only dances when there is something to drink, particularly vodka.
"Nachna mujhe aata nahin, uske liye 2 vodka lagenge.” (I don’t know how to dance. To dance, I need to have two vodka shots)."
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