Gujarat Titans (GT) has expanded its coaching setup Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 By appointing former India wicketkeeper-batsman Vijay Dahiya as his new assistant coach. The franchise confirmed this on Wednesday, as preparations for the upcoming IPL campaign gain momentum.
Dahiya brings with him a wealth of experience from both playing and coaching careers. During his time as a cricketer, he represented India in 19 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Test matches, and earned recognition for his reliable wicketkeeping and calm presence behind the stumps. Domestically, he was a key player for Delhi, where he built a strong reputation, before moving into coaching after retiring from professional cricket.
Over the years, Dahiya has developed an impressive coaching resume. One of his notable achievements came during the 2007–08 Ranji Trophy season, when he led Delhi to the title as a coach. His experience also extends to the IPL, where he previously worked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) And Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) As an assistant coach, often collaborates with famous coach Andy Flower.
Confirming the appointment, the franchise said in a statement: “Gujarat Titans today announced the appointment of former India wicketkeeper-batsman Vijay Dahiya as assistant coach ahead of the Tata IPL 2026 season, further strengthening the franchise’s coaching setup.”
Gujarat Titans strengthened their coaching team
Dahiya’s arrival is part of a wider effort by Gujarat Titans to strengthen their support staff ahead of the new season. The franchise has recently added former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden as its batting coach. Hayden, who won the Orange Cap while playing for Chennai Super Kings in 2009, will replace former India wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel in that elite role, although Patel will remain attached to the coaching group as an assistant.
The revised coaching structure now sees Ashish Nehra as the head coach, Dahiya as the assistant coach and Hayden as the batting coach. Parthiv Patel remains part of the support staff, ensuring continuity in the team’s backroom setup.
Vikram Solanki, the franchise’s director of cricket, had earlier stressed the importance of strengthening the Titans’ cricket ecosystem. He previously said Hayden’s appointment comes at an “important stage” in the team’s development, highlighting management’s long-term vision for continued success.
Since entering the IPL in 2022, Gujarat Titans have established themselves as one of the most competitive teams in the tournament. The franchise got off to a dream start by winning the title in its first season under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. Since then they have continued to perform well, reaching the playoffs in three of their first four seasons.
Last year, the Shubman Gill-led team finished fourth in the standings and qualified for the playoffs. However, their campaign ended in the eliminator against Mumbai Indians, dashing their hopes of winning another title.
With a strong coaching lineup and several experienced mentors guiding the team, Gujarat Titans will aim to bounce back strongly in the upcoming season.
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Gujarat Titans have to play their first match of IPL 2026 on March 31.
The Titans will begin their IPL 2026 campaign with a match against Punjab Kings on March 31 at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. They will then return home for their first match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where they will face Rajasthan Royals on April 4.
The squad for the upcoming season has a strong mix of international stars and homegrown talent. Captain Shubman Gill will lead the team, who is supported by England’s new wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler. Afghanistan’s bowling attack remains strong with the presence of star spinner Rashid Khan along with fast bowlers Mohammad Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.
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