Ex-Pakistan coach officially joins Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026

The Gujarat Titans (GT), led by Shubman Gill, have made changes to their coaching staff just a few weeks before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has been officially appointed as their new batting coach to guide the young squad this year.

The Ahmedabad-based franchise finished in eighth place back in 2024. However, the one-time IPL title winners bounced back well in the 2025 season. The team ended their previous campaign with a third-place finish in the table. They secured nine wins and suffered four losses, while one ended in a no-result.

Vikram Solanki Welcomes Matthew Hayden To The Franchise

Vikram Solanki, the Director of Cricket for Gujarat Titans, welcomed Matthew Hayden as their new batting coach. Solanki stated that the franchise will be benefited by his ability to mentor emerging talent.

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"Matthew's appointment comes at a pivotal phase in our journey. As a franchise committed to excellence and long-term success, we are constantly focused on strengthening our cricketing ecosystem," Solanki said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"His experience at the highest level, coupled with his ability to mentor emerging talent, will be instrumental in shaping our batting identity for the seasons ahead."

That's The Standard We Want To Set At Gujarat Titans - Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden represented Australia in 273 international matches across all formats, scoring over 15,000 runs. Following his appointment, the veteran revealed his bold mindset and the high standards he wants to set for the players.

"Good batting applies pressure. Great batting owns the game. That's the standard we want to set at Gujarat Titans," Hayden stated.

The former left-handed batter also featured in 32 IPL matches during his playing days. Hayden scored 1107 runs in 32 matches at an average of 36.9 and a strike rate of 137.52, including eight half-centuries with a best score of 93.

Gujarat Titans Prepare For IPL 2026 Season

The upcoming IPL 2026 season is expected to take place from March to May across various iconic venues in India. However, the official match schedule is yet to be fully released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council.

Gans eagerly await the complete fixtures to see when the Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill will play their opening game. Matthew Hayden adds international experience and confidence to the coaching setup.

Working alongside Titans head coach Ashish Nehra, the Australian legend will focus on developing an aggressive intent. The Ahmedabad team management hopes his fearless winning mentality will heavily inspire the young players this year.

The franchise recently hosted special training camps in Nathdwara to ensure every single player is fully prepared for the demanding tournament. The dedicated management is leaving absolutely no stone unturned to secure their second trophy.

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