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India's newest pace sensation Ashok Sharma has credited Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra for playing a pivotal role in his rapid rise, saying the former India fast bowler was available "even at midnight" whenever he needed advice.
Ashok, one of the quickest bowlers in the country, is in line to make his India debut during the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe after earning his maiden national call-up on the back of an impressive Indian Premier League season with Gujarat Titans.
Speaking ahead of the series opener, the Rajasthan pacer revealed how Nehra became much more than just a coach during their time together in Ahmedabad.
"Whenever I talk about belief, I think of Nehra sir. I used to go to him with every doubt. Whenever I had any self-doubt or needed to ask something, I would approach him," Ashok told JioStar.
The 24-year-old said Nehra's willingness to help at any hour of the day gave him the confidence to constantly seek feedback and improve.
"He had told me once, 'Even if you come to me at midnight with a question, I will be ready for you.' So whenever I had any doubt, whether it was about a delivery or anything related to my bowling, I would go to him.
"After matches, I would go to his room and watch videos of my bowling. I would ask him what more I could perfect and what I needed to work on. I consider him my mentor. I have learned so much from him this IPL season, and he has helped me a lot," he said.
THE LATEST 150 KPH SENSATION
Ashok announced himself in IPL 2026 by regularly touching the 150 kmph mark and clocking 154.2 kmph during Gujarat Titans' clash against Rajasthan Royals, instantly putting himself on the national selectors' radar.
Having now earned his first India call-up, the right-arm pacer said wearing the national jersey remains his biggest dream, but added that Test cricket is the ultimate destination.
"My first target will be to wear the India jersey. I am waiting for that moment, to wear that jersey and represent my nation. Now that I am in the squad for the series against Zimbabwe, my next target will be to take as many wickets as possible and try to play as many matches as I can. I want to make this opportunity count.
"My next goal after that will be to play red-ball cricket for India as soon as possible," Ashok said.
IDOLISING DALE STEYN
Ashok also spoke about the bowlers who have shaped his journey. Growing up, he idolised South African great Dale Steyn, while his time at Gujarat Titans allowed him to learn from experienced India pacers Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj.
Calling Steyn the complete fast bowler, Ashok said he admired the South African's aggression, intensity and ability to single-handedly change games.
"Dale Steyn is a bowler who is a match-winner in himself. On his day, when his bowling was on point, he could win matches single-handedly. He could take the game away from the opposition in a matter of a few overs.
"I follow him in terms of his aggression, his run-up, his intensity, and the way he used to set up batters. Everything about him is inspiring. He is someone I look up to as a fast bowler."
Ashok revealed that Ishant's advice on bowling a consistent length helped him think differently about his game, while Siraj was always willing to fine-tune his action during practice sessions.
"When I joined the Gujarat Titans camp for the first time, Ishant Sharma bhai was standing there. He asked me about my recent performance, how many wickets I had taken in Ranji Trophy and what my figures looked like. I told him, 'Bhaiya, I have 16 wickets in four matches.'
"He said, 'Everything looks good. You are bowling well. But if you work a little more on your length, especially the good length area, those 16 wickets in four matches can easily become 24. Just focus on hitting that consistent length.'"
Ashok said Siraj too was generous with his time, often watching a few deliveries in the nets before suggesting subtle technical adjustments.
"I had a lot of talks with Siraj bhaiya as well. I would discuss all these things with him. Siraj bhaiya would explain everything to me very well. He would stand with me and watch two or three of my deliveries. Then he would tell me, 'Do this, make this change, try this.'
"So I learned a lot from him. I have carried all those learnings with me. Whenever I get time to practice in Jaipur, I focus on those things and try to do them even better."
With India looking to bounce back after a disappointing tour of Ireland and England, Ashok could now get the opportunity to announce himself on the international stage, armed with the backing of one of India's finest fast bowlers in Nehra.
