Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Gujarat Titans batting coach Matthew Hayden has praised skipper Shubman Gill’s growth as a batter and leader, saying the India star’s clarity of thought and modern-day confidence have shaped his evolution at the highest level.
Speaking ahead of Gujarat Titans’ opening clash against Punjab Kings on Tuesday, Hayden explained how Gill’s understanding of the game and his ability to articulate it reflect a player who has matured at the highest level.
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“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.
The former Australia opener also pointed to Gill’s confidence and modern outlook, qualities he believes are shaping his leadership.
“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,” Hayden added.
Gill enters the new season at an interesting juncture in his T20 career. Despite being a mainstay in India’s longer formats, he has slipped out of the national T20I setup amid stiff competition from aggressive options such as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. The right-hander featured in 15 T20Is after IPL 2025 but failed to register a half-century, raising questions about his place in the shortest format.
Gujarat Titans will now look to their captain to rediscover rhythm and lead from the front as they aim for a strong start to their campaign. Hayden, however, expressed confidence in the overall strength of the batting unit, insisting there are no glaring concerns heading into the 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 said.
With a settled core and a captain backed for both his clarity and character, Gujarat Titans will hope Gill can translate promise into performance as the new IPL season begins.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
