As the excitement grows ahead IPL 2026The Gujarat Titans (GT) camp got a special boost during their batting coaching session Matthew Hayden made an astonishing statement. Known for his explosive batting during his playing days, the former Australian all-rounder has named the player he would happily pass his iconic Mongoose bat to.
Mongoose bat and Hayden’s endorsement
The Mongoose bat holds a special place in IPL history, mainly because of how effectively Hayden used it during his tenure with CSK. With its unique design – a longer handle and a shorter blade – it allowed players to create incredible bat speed and hit the ball with great power.
Hayden showed his potential in 2010 by scoring 93 off 43 balls against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).
Now, years later, Hayden sees a similar spark Rahul Tewatia. Speaking at GT’s Shubharambh 2026 event in Ahmedabad, he said:
“If I had to give the Mongoose bat to one of the GTs, it would have to be Rahul Tewatia. He’s got power. He does a really good job with the long bat. In T20 cricket, the sides are five runs, 10 runs and it’s good to have that power at the back and front. You’ll get it, mate.”
This statement perfectly captures why Tewatia stands out. In modern T20 cricket, where matches are often decided by the tiniest of margins, having a player who can consistently hit big in crunch moments is indispensable. Tewatia’s calm approach coupled with his ability to accelerate makes him a natural fit for a purely power bat.
Since joining Gujarat Titans, Tewatia has quietly developed into one of the most reliable finishers in the league. With 591 runs in 43 overs at a strike rate of over 150, his numbers reflect both consistency and impact. Whether chasing tough finishes or finishing innings with a flourish, he has shown time and time again that he thrives under pressure.
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“I worry when an easy catch comes my way”: Glenn Phillips
Shubharambh 2026 was not just about Hayden’s endorsement. He also gave an insight into the mindset and personality of the Gujarat Titans squad.
New Zealand star Glenn Phillips Field shared an honest and somewhat humorous take on the pressure. He said: “When I have an easy seizure, I worry. I know I’m going to have a hard one, but it’s going to be easy, I’m worried.”
It’s a relatable sentiment that highlights the mental side of cricket – sometimes the simplest chances can seem the most difficult.
Meanwhile, head coach Ashish Nehra strengthened the competitive spirit of the team with a strong message. He said that “Our mindset from day one is clear, we’re not here to participate, we’re here to compete and win.”
This clear and focused approach has been a defining feature of Gujarat Titans since their debut season. It reflects a culture built around confidence, clarity and a hunger to succeed.
