Matthew Hayden Praises Shubman Gill Ahead of IPL 2026 Opener
Gujarat Titans Gear Up for IPL 2026
New Chandigarh (Punjab) - On March 30, Gujarat Titans' batting coach Matthew Hayden expressed his admiration for captain Shubman Gill as the team prepares for their inaugural match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Tuesday.
Both Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings will commence their IPL 2026 journey at Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
Last season, the Gujarat Titans reached the Eliminator stage, showcasing remarkable batting prowess throughout the tournament. Shubman Gill emerged as one of the standout players for GT in IPL 2025, alongside Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler, accumulating 650 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 50.00.
As the IPL 2026 season opener approaches, Hayden commended Gill for his leadership qualities, which he believes embody the essence of Indian cricket. He noted Gill's modern confidence and team-oriented approach, both on and off the field.
“Shubman articulates the game clearly, indicating that Indian cricket is in a strong position, especially at the Test level. He exudes confidence and possesses a modern swagger that I appreciate, showing that he is in control of his journey,” Hayden remarked.
“He plays selflessly, consistently demonstrating a team-first attitude in various press conferences,” the GT batting coach added.
Hayden mentioned that the Gujarat Titans are entering the new season with a robust batting lineup established in IPL 2025.
“With Shubman leading, he anticipates his batting unit to replicate their performance from the previous IPL series. The 18th edition of the IPL was an exciting chapter for the entire Gujarat Titans squad,” Hayden stated.
He pointed out that the team lacks significant weaknesses, with strong contributions from the top order, middle order, and finishers, and believes they are well-equipped for the challenges ahead, with minor adjustments expected as the tournament unfolds.
“There were no apparent weaknesses. The foundation laid by the top three, combined with outstanding performances from the middle order and finishers, sets a solid groundwork for this season. Improvements will naturally arise as the tournament progresses,” Hayden concluded.