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GT reveal new batting coach for IPL 2026 [Source: AFP]
In the latest development, IPL franchise Gujarat Titans has revealed their new batting coach for the upcoming 2026 season. With the season commencing in less than three weeks, the former IPL winners took a bold step by including a legendary name in their coaching department.
Australian legend and one of the greats of the game, Matthew Hayden, has joined the IPL side as their batting coach, and he will work on improving the power-hitting aspect of the players, as GT lacked the cutting-edge last season.
Commenting on Hayden’s appointment, Gujarat Titans Director of Cricket, Vikram Solanki, said: "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.
"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."
Hayden a replacement for Parthiv Patel in GT?
Currently, in the GT coaching staff, former India player Parthiv Patel dons the role of assistant coach. However, recently rumours have surfaced that Patel could replace Ajit Agarkar as the new chief selector of the Indian team, and hence, the assistant coach role could be vacant for the upcoming season.
Apart from Patel, Narender Negi also holds the position of assistant coach, and with the team having no batting coach, the franchise has gone in with Hayden’s experience to lead the department.
Patel is a local boy from Ahmedabad, and his experience was valuable for GT’s success. If he departs to join the Indian side, that void will be left in the franchise, and Hayden has all the tools to fill in that role.
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Hayden excited for his new role with Gujarat Titans
GT made a shrewd signing by hiring one of the most destructive batters of his era, and the Australian great was ecstatic after joining the IPL franchise.
"Good batting applies pressure. Great batting owns the game. That's the standard we want to set at Gujarat Titans."
What makes Hayden an interesting appointment
Hayden represented Australia in 273 international matches, and well before the aggressive batting template was a thing, he, alongside his opening partner, Adam Gilchrist, were the pioneers of it in the 2000s. He scored over 15,000 international runs and played crucial roles in multiple ICC tournaments for Australia.
There is a reason why GT decided to go after him as their new batting coach. He brings an aggressive mindset and was one of the most explosive batters of his era. His aggressive yet robust batting approach will help GT batters improve their power-game for the IPL 2026.
Moreover, he is a proven IPL veteran, having represented CSK for the initial three seasons. In the 32 matches that he played in the league, Hayden accumulated 1107 runs, with an average of 36.90, and a solid strike rate of 137.52.
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