As Gujarat Titans (GT) prepare for their high-stakes clash with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the focus has shifted from the field to the dugout. The recent appointment of former Australian legend Matthew Hayden as batting coach has sent ripples through the franchise and the players are already reaping the rewards of his “incredible wealth of knowledge”.
Talk ahead Meeting on Friday eveningGT middle-order all-rounder Glenn Phillips has revealed the transformative impact Hayden is having on the team’s mental approach.
The Hayden Factor: Process over Outcome
For Phillips, the opportunity to work with a man from Hayden’s character is less about technical adjustments and more about mastering the “mental skills” needed to survive the IPL pressure cooker.
“Matthew has an incredible wealth of knowledge,” noted Phillips. “He was a process player in his prime. For me, being able to pick his brain was mainly around the process and the mindset he went out there with.”
Phillips emphasized that while the era of cricket has changed, the psychological demands remain the same. Hayden’s primary focus is on helping players find their “process zone”—that elusive mental state where performance becomes instinctive. “In a tournament like the IPL where momentum and confidence are key, trying to find a way to stay composed and confident throughout is vital. He was phenomenal at that,” Phillips added.
Role clarity over personal glory
While the arrival of a batting coach often brings pressure to produce “big scores”, Phillips was quick to defend his role in the GT set-up. Often used as a finisher or situational swimmer, the New Zealander explained that his personal success is measured by team impact rather than individual milestones.
Addressing questions about converting portraits into hundreds, Phillips pointed to the tactical reality of his position. “I have been in completely different situations… coming with six balls to go. It is quite difficult to score in such environments,” he noted.
For Phillips, the “Hayden mindset” is about selfless contribution. “If that means I have to come on with four balls to face, hopefully I can hit the boundary. If we have a tough pitch where I have to knock, hopefully we can kick on. It’s about being as consistent as possible in whatever role I get.”
With GT looking for a third straight win on Friday, April 17, the synergy between Hayden’s legendary experience and Phillips’ explosive adaptability could be the edge they need against a formidable KKR attack.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
17 Apr 2026 11:37 IST
