Rashid arguably back to his best: Hayden

After Gujarat Titans’ comprehensive 77-run win over Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad on Saturday (May 9, 2026), batting coach Matthew Hayden said the side had finally begun to put together all facets of its game effectively.

“I think it’s a very good team. It’s a dangerous bowling side, and that’s what we’ve seen tonight. We’ve just got so many apex predators. The top three of the batting order is such a solid unit. We’re starting to play with great confidence. Tonight was actually the first game as a coach that I thought we put all of the departments together really nicely,” he said.

On Rashid Khan’s return to form, he said: “Rashid is an X-factor in this competition. He’s now arguably back to his best. You saw the zip off the wicket, and even Donovan Ferreira, who’s been in incredible touch, didn’t pick a leg-spinner. For me, those are the little signs that Rashid is at his best. That ball was around 110 kph. That was a beauty. It would have got most batters out. Having him through the middle [overs] is very challenging for any opposition.”

Referring to the new-ball pair of Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada, Hayden said: “Velocity matters. 150kph-type bowling is hard to play and slog. We saw a number of balls go up in the air tonight because of high-velocity, high-impact bowling. I think the best sides have the best defensive line-ups, of which, at the absolute helm, is the fast-bowling unit. And we’ve got that covered nicely.”

Bond disappointed

Chasing 230, RR was bowled out for 152. Fast bowling coach Shane Bond said: “It’s a disappointing performance for us. We just weren’t good enough tonight. We misread the pitch a little bit.

“I think we may now have to win two of our last three matches, or maybe all three. With, perhaps, some better fielding, we could’ve won a couple more”.