A Familiar Face Returns to Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans (GT) have officially welcomed back former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade, but this time in a coaching role. Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Wade has been appointed as the assistant coach of the franchise, marking a new chapter in his association with the team.
The Titans, known for their strategic squad-building, are reinforcing their backroom staff with experienced professionals, and Wade’s inclusion is expected to bring fresh insights, especially in batting and wicketkeeping.
Wade’s IPL Journey: A Brief but Impactful Stint
Wade first joined Gujarat Titans in 2022, during the franchise’s debut IPL season. Although he played only 12 matches for the team, his contributions were valuable as GT went on to win the IPL title in their maiden season under Hardik Pandya’s leadership.
Wade had another stint with GT in 2024, but he wasn’t retained ahead of the IPL mega auction due to his retirement from international cricket. Despite his relatively short IPL career of 15 matches, his experience and leadership qualities made him a sought-after figure in the cricketing world.
GT’s Warm Welcome to Wade
Gujarat Titans took to social media to announce his appointment with an enthusiastic message:
“Champion. Fighter. Now our Assistant Coach! Welcome back to the GT Dugout, Matthew Wade!”
This announcement has generated excitement among fans, as Wade was known for his aggressive batting and fighting spirit, which played a key role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph.
Wade’s Coaching Role and His Contribution to GT
As an assistant coach, Wade will work closely with head coach Ashish Nehra, batting coach Parthiv Patel, and fellow assistant coaches Aashish Kapoor and Narender Negi. His primary focus will be on:
- Mentoring wicketkeepers and middle-order batters in the squad
- Sharing insights from his international career, particularly in T20 cricket
- Helping the team with tactical decision-making in pressure situations
- Developing young players and shaping GT’s long-term squad strategy
Given his experience as a wicketkeeper-batter, Wade is expected to bring valuable inputs to GT’s batting lineup and wicketkeeping department. His aggressive approach and adaptability will be key in shaping the mindset of the Titans’ players.
A New Chapter in Wade’s Cricket Career
Matthew Wade’s transition from player to coach is a natural progression. Over the years, he has been recognized as a team player, a vocal leader, and a mentor to young cricketers. His journey from being a fiery competitor on the field to taking on a guiding role in the dugout showcases his evolving role in the cricketing world.
His appointment as an assistant coach at GT aligns with the franchise’s vision of building a strong, dynamic team while leveraging experienced professionals to shape the future.
GT’s Preparations for IPL 2025
With Wade now part of the coaching setup, Gujarat Titans are focused on assembling a competitive squad for IPL 2025. Having won the title in 2022 and reached the final in 2023, GT has been one of the most successful franchises in recent years.
The team management is looking to maintain their winning momentum, and the addition of Wade to the coaching team is expected to bring more tactical depth and a winning mindset to the squad.
As IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Gujarat Titans to see how their revamped coaching unit helps them compete for another championship. With Matthew Wade now playing a key role off the field, GT fans have high hopes for another stellar season.(cricket betting app)