Ahead of Gujarat Titans first match in IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings in Chandigarh on Tuesday, their batting coach Matthew Hayden lauded Shubman Gill’s modern-day confidence and clarity of thought in his evolution as a leader.
“Yeah, see, Shubman is a very clear speaker of the game, and that says he knew cricket in good stead, obviously at the highest level of cricket and Test cricket,” Hayden said.
“He brings a lot of confidence. If you like, he brings a bit of swagger of the modern generation, which I really enjoy, that feeling that he’s in control and he’s shaping himself and his own destiny.
“But any side that he’ll play with, he very unselfishly says, and I’ve watched him across many different press conferences like this, that it’s very team-orientated,” the former Australian opener said.
Hayden, who joined Gujarat Titans as their batting coach this season, also expressed confidence in the team’s batting ability heading into the new season.
“There was no obvious weaknesses last season. There was only just a great foundation from the top three, built through some outstanding middle-order players and finished off as well with the finishes that they did have last year.
“So the metrics are really solid going into this season. The little areas of improvement will come as the tournament wears on,” he added.
