As the excitement builds ahead of IPL 2026, Gujarat Titans’ (GT) camp got a special boost when their batting coach Matthew Hayden made a fascinating revelation. The former Australian opener, known for his explosive batting during his playing days, named the player he would happily pass his iconic Mongoose bat to.
The mongoose bat and Hayden’s endorsement
The Mongoose bat holds a special place in IPL history, largely because of how effectively Hayden used it during his time with CSK. With its unique design – a longer handle and a shorter blade – it allowed players to generate incredible bat speed and hit the ball with immense power.
Hayden famously showcased its potential when he smashed a blistering 93 off 43 balls against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) back in 2010. That knock remains one of the most memorable examples of raw hitting in the tournament’s early years.
Now, years later, Hayden sees a similar spark in Rahul Tewatia. Speaking at GT’s “Shubharambh 2026” event in Ahmedabad, he said:
“If I had to hand my Mongoose bat to someone from GT, it would have to be Rahul Tewatia. He has the power. He does a very good job with the long bat. The margins in T20 cricket are five runs, 10 runs and to have that power at the backend and frontend is good. You will get it, mate.”
That statement perfectly captures why Tewatia stands out. In modern T20 cricket, where matches are often decided by the smallest of margins, having a player who can consistently deliver big hits in crunch moments is invaluable. Tewatia’s calm approach combined with his ability to accelerate makes him a natural fit for a bat designed purely for power.
Since joining Gujarat Titans, Tewatia has quietly become one of the most reliable finishers in the league. With 591 runs in 43 innings at a strike rate of over 150, his numbers reflect both consistency and impact. Whether it’s chasing tricky totals or finishing innings with a flourish, he has repeatedly shown that he thrives under pressure.
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“I am worried when an easy catch comes my way”: Glenn Phillips
The “Shubharambh 2026” event wasn’t just about Hayden’s endorsement. It also offered a glimpse into the mindset and personality within the Gujarat Titans squad.
New Zealand star Glenn Phillips shared an honest and slightly humorous take on fielding pressure. He said, “I am worried when an easy catch comes my way. Hard catches I know I will take, but easy catch, oh I am worried.”
It’s a relatable sentiment that highlights the mental side of cricket – sometimes the simplest chances can feel like the toughest.
Meanwhile, head coach Ashish Nehra reinforced the team’s competitive spirit with a strong message. He stated, “From day one, our mindset has been clear, we are not here to participate, we are here to compete and win.”
This clear and focused approach has been a defining trait of Gujarat Titans since their debut season. It reflects a culture built around confidence, clarity and a hunger to succeed.
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