Gujarat Titans appoint new batting coach ahead of IPL 2026

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The Gujarat Titans are already making strategic moves ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as the franchise continues to strengthen its backroom staff and squad structure. Since their debut in 2022, the Ahmedabad-based team has emerged as one of the most competitive sides in the tournament, winning the title in their inaugural season and maintaining a strong presence in subsequent editions.

With IPL 2026 scheduled to begin on March 28, franchises are fine-tuning their preparations, and Gujarat have taken a significant step by adding more experience to their coaching group. The team management has consistently focused on creating a balanced setup that blends experienced coaching minds with a stable playing core.

Under head coach Ashish Nehra, GT have developed a reputation for playing fearless cricket while maintaining a calm tactical approach. Their coaching unit already features experienced figures such as Vikram Solanki and Parthiv Patel, and the latest addition further strengthens the think tank as the franchise aims for another deep run in the upcoming IPL season.

In a major development ahead of IPL 2026, the Titans have appointed former Australia opener Matthew Hayden as their new batting coach.

Hayden, widely regarded as one of the most destructive opening batters of his era, brings a wealth of international and franchise cricket experience to the role. The former left-handed batter enjoyed a remarkable international career with Australia and was known for his aggressive approach at the top of the order.

A two-time ODI World Cup winner and an ICC Hall of Fame inductee, Hayden has also enjoyed a successful stint in the IPL during his playing days. He represented Chennai Super Kings in 32 matches and played a key role in the team’s success during the early years of the league. Hayden finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer in the 2009 season and later helped CSK win the IPL title in 2010.

Apart from his playing career, Hayden has gained coaching and mentoring experience in recent years. He previously served as a batting consultant for the Pakistan men’s team, where he worked closely with several international batters during ICC tournaments.

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One of Gujarat Titans’ biggest strengths heading into IPL 2026 is the stability of their squad. The franchise retained a league-high 20 players before the December 2025 mini-auction, indicating the management’s strong belief in their core group.

Led by captain Shubman Gill, GT have assembled a squad that combines international stars with exciting domestic talent. The team made only a few targeted additions during the auction, with West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder being the most notable signing for ₹7 crore. Holder’s presence is expected to strengthen both the middle order and the team’s death bowling options.

England’s Tom Banton was also brought in as a backup wicketkeeper-batter, adding flexibility to the squad. Meanwhile, rising Indian pacer Ashok Sharma joined the team after finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

The Titans’ core remains packed with match-winners, including Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, Sai Sudharsan and Mohammed Siraj. With a settled squad, a strengthened coaching staff and a confident leadership group, Gujarat Titans appear well-positioned to mount another serious challenge for the IPL title.

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