Gujarat Titans (GT) they strengthened the coaching structure in advance Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 By appointing former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya as the new assistant coach. The franchise confirmed the development on Wednesday as preparations for the upcoming IPL campaign intensified.
Dahiya brings with him a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching careers. During his career as a cricketer, he represented India in 19 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Test matches, known for his reliable wicketkeeping and calm presence behind the stumps. At the domestic level, he was a key performer for Delhi, where he built a strong reputation before eventually moving into coaching after retiring from professional cricket.
Over the years, Dahiya has built an impressive coaching resume. One of his notable achievements came in the 2007-08 Ranji Trophy season, when he guided Delhi to the title as coach. His experience also extends back to the IPL where he worked earlier Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) As an assistant coach, he often collaborates with well-known coach Andy Flower.
In a statement confirming the appointment, the franchise said: “Gujarat Titans today announced the appointment of former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya as assistant coach ahead of the TATA IPL 2026 season, further strengthening the franchise’s coaching set-up.”
Gujarat Titans are strengthening their coaching staff
Dahiya’s arrival is part of Gujarat Titans’ wider efforts to strengthen their support staff ahead of the new season. The franchise recently added former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden as batting coach. Hayden, who won the Orange Cap while playing for Chennai Super Kings in 2009, replaces former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel in this special role, although Patel will continue to be involved in the coaching staff as an assistant.
The revamped coaching structure now features Ashish Nehra as the head coach, with Dahiya as the assistant coach and Hayden as the batting coach. Parthiv Patel remains part of the supporting cast and provides continuity in the team’s backroom setup.
The franchise’s Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki had earlier highlighted the importance of strengthening the Titans’ cricket ecosystem. Hayden’s appointment, he previously said, came at a “key stage” in the team’s development and underscored management’s long-term vision for continued success.
After entering the IPL in 2022, Gujarat Titans quickly established themselves as one of the most competitive teams in the tournament. The franchise lived up to a dream by winning the title in its debut season under Hardik Pandya. They remained consistent performers, making the playoffs in three of their first four seasons.
Last year, the team led by Shubman Gill took fourth place in the standings and qualified for the playoffs. However, their campaign ended in an Eliminator against Mumbai Indians, ending their hopes of another title run.
With a strengthened coaching staff and several experienced mentors guiding the squad, Gujarat Titans will aim to make a strong comeback in the upcoming season.
Also READ: IPL 2026 – Will Suresh Raina join CSK as fielding coach? CEO Kasi Viswanathan responds
Gujarat Titans will play their first match in IPL 2026 on March 31
The Titans will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 31 with an away match against the Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. They will then return home for their first game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 4 against Rajasthan Royals.
The squad for the upcoming season has a strong mix of international stars and local talent. Captain Shubman Gill will lead the side supported by newly acquired England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. The bowling attack remains formidable with Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan, fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.
Also READ: Gautam Gambhir reacts to MS Dhoni’s viral ‘Mashq Sahab’ message after India win T20 World Cup 2026
