Gujarat Titans Appoint Vijay Dahiya as Assistant Coach Ahead of IPL 2026 Season
Gujarat Titans have officially named former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya as their new assistant coach ahead of IPL 2026, strengthening a backroom staff that already includes batting coach Matthew Hayden.
IPL 2026 kicks off on March 22, 2026 — and GT are already making serious moves off the field. Check out the full IPL 2026 season schedule to see when Shubman Gill’s men hit the ground running.
Who Is Vijay Dahiya?
Vijay Dahiya is a name that Indian cricket fans from the late 90s and early 2000s know well. He played 2 Tests and 19 ODIs for India, earning a reputation as a technically sound wicketkeeper with sharp instincts behind the stumps.
After hanging up his gloves, Dahiya didn’t walk away from cricket. He walked straight into coaching, and that’s where his real legacy has been built.
| Career Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| International Career | 2 Tests, 19 ODIs for India |
| Ranji Trophy Win | Delhi, 2007-08 season |
| IPL Coaching (KKR) | Part of title-winning setups in 2012 and 2014 |
| Delhi Capitals Role | Head Talent Scout (2019) |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Assistant Coach |
A Coaching Resume That Speaks for Itself
Dahiya’s journey from player to coach has been anything but ordinary. He was part of the Delhi dressing room when they lifted the Ranji Trophy in 2007-08, a season that cricket insiders still talk about for its tactical discipline.
His IPL coaching story is even more impressive. He worked with Kolkata Knight Riders during their back-to-back title wins in 2012 and 2014, which tells you everything about the kind of environment he thrives in, high pressure, high stakes, and results-driven.
After KKR, he moved on to scouting roles with Delhi Capitals before joining Lucknow Super Giants as assistant coach, giving him a wide-angle view of how modern IPL franchises operate.
Why This Appointment Makes Sense for Gujarat Titans
GT aren’t doing this randomly. There’s a clear strategy here.
- Matthew Hayden is already in place as batting coach, bringing world-class T20 experience to the top order
- Vijay Dahiya adds depth in wicketkeeping guidance and domestic know-how
- Shubman Gill as captain now has a backroom team built for winning, not just competing
The Titans have been one of the most consistent sides since entering the IPL in 2022. They won the title in their debut year, and while the trophy has been elusive since, they’ve made the playoffs in 3 of their first 4 seasons. That’s not luck. That’s culture.
Want to follow the full GT squad for this season? Browse the complete IPL 2026 squads and see how Dahiya’s coaching fits the player group.
GT’s IPL 2026 Campaign: Key Fixtures
| Match | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Away Game | Punjab Kings | March 31 | New Chandigarh |
| First Home Game | Rajasthan Royals | April 4 | Narendra Modi Stadium |
Narendra Modi Stadium is one of the most electric venues in world cricket, and GT playing in front of their home crowd early in the campaign is a massive boost.
The Bigger Picture: GT’s Title Ambitions in 2026
Gujarat Titans have been quietly building since the 2024 season. The addition of Dahiya isn’t just a PR move or a box-ticking exercise. It’s part of a deliberate plan to close the gap between “almost” and “champions again.”
Dahiya understands the IPL ecosystem from multiple angles. He’s been a player, a scout, and a coach across multiple franchises. That 360-degree experience is exactly what a young, hungry squad like GT needs in their dugout.
Keep track of how GT perform throughout the tournament using the live IPL 2026 points table as the season unfolds.
Vijay Dahiya’s IPL Coaching Journey at a Glance
- Joined KKR coaching staff ahead of their golden era
- Two IPL titles in three years with Kolkata (2012, 2014)
- Moved to talent scouting with Delhi Capitals in 2019
- Joined Lucknow Super Giants as assistant coach
- Now takes charge at Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026
FAQs
Who is Vijay Dahiya? Vijay Dahiya is a former Indian wicketkeeper-batter who played 2 Tests and 19 ODIs for India and later became a prominent domestic and IPL coach.
Why did Gujarat Titans appoint Vijay Dahiya? GT appointed Dahiya to strengthen their coaching setup ahead of IPL 2026, adding his vast IPL and domestic experience to the backroom staff.
Has Vijay Dahiya won the IPL before as a coach? Yes, Dahiya was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders coaching team during their IPL title wins in 2012 and 2014.
Who is Gujarat Titans’ batting coach for IPL 2026? Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden was appointed as GT’s batting coach ahead of IPL 2026.
When do Gujarat Titans start their IPL 2026 campaign? GT play their first match on March 31, 2026 against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.
Who leads Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026? Shubman Gill continues as captain of Gujarat Titans for the IPL 2026 season.
