Ignored by CSK, Matthew Hayden Finds New Role for IPL 2026

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has been named as the Gujarat Titans new batting coach, the franchise confirmed on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Speaking about taking up the role, Hayden said that strong batting puts pressure on the opposition, but great batting allows a team to completely control the match, which is the level the Gujarat Titans will aim to achieve.

Hayden, widely regarded as one of the most powerful top-order batters of his generation, is set to become part of the Gujarat Titans’ support staff alongside head coach Ashish Nehra, director of cricket Vikram Solanki, and assistant coach Parthiv Patel.

The Australian veteran previously played for the Chennai Super Kings from 2008-10, appearing in 32 matches and scoring 1,107 runs. He has been a passionate supporter of CSK for quite some time, and he is all set to make his comeback in the league in a completely new role at the Gujarat Titans.

Matthew Hayden Appointed Batting Coach Ahead of IPL 2026

Matthew Hayden IPL coaching stint will see him replace Parthiv Patel from the role, while Patel will remain with the Gujarat Titans as an assistant coach as the franchise prepares for its fourth season in the IPL. This appointment marks Hayden’s first major coaching position in the tournament, as he had earlier been involved with the IPL mainly as a commentator and broadcaster.

Matthew Hayden coaching experience at the international level includes a stint as Pakistan’s batting consultant during the 2021 T20 World Cup. The following year, he continued working with the Pakistan team as a mentor when they reached the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup held in Australia.

During his international career, Hayden played 273 matches for Australia across all formats and scored more than 15,000 runs. He was one of the best openers in the world of his generation, and also an important part of the Australian team that won several ICC tournaments during one of the most successful periods in their cricket history.