GT assistant coach Vijay Dahiya credits close-game wins for Titans' IPL 2026 turnaround
Synopsis
Vijay Dahiya's candid assessment reveals Gujarat Titans' resurgence isn't about wholesale tactical overhaul — it's about execution in tight moments. With five years of history including one title and multiple finals runs, the Titans know how to play big games. The real question is whether this momentum holds when the tournament tightens.
Key Takeaways
GT assistant coach Vijay Dahiya attributed the Titans' recent success to their ability to close out close matches in IPL 2026 .
Gujarat had previously suffered a string of narrow defeats before their recent consecutive victories .
Dahiya praised the team environment as "top-notch" and credited the franchise's philosophy of backing players through inconsistent phases.
The assistant coach, in his first season with GT , credited continuity in the support staff for easing his integration.
Gujarat Titans may explore new squad combinations as the tournament enters its knockout stage.
Gujarat Titans assistant coach Vijay Dahiya on 3 May attributed the franchise's recent resurgence in IPL 2026 to their improved ability to close out tight contests, a stark contrast to their earlier string of narrow defeats that had derailed their campaign. Speaking on the sidelines of the GT vs PBKS match in Ahmedabad, Dahiya underscored that execution in high-pressure moments has been the defining factor in consecutive victories.
The turning point in close contests
Reflecting on the shift in fortunes, Dahiya emphasised that the difference between their earlier losses and recent wins lay in their ability to finish tight games. "You just mentioned a couple of games where results are not going our way. But even if you look at those games as well, they were close games. Closing those close games were very important and that's what we have done in the last few games," he said. The assistant coach's remarks highlight how marginal improvements in decision-making and composure under pressure have translated into tangible results.
Team environment and squad backing
Dahiya also praised the overall atmosphere within the Gujarat camp, describing it as "top-notch." He credited the franchise's philosophy of persisting with players through inconsistent phases, a strategy that has defined their approach since inception. "This is how they have built, this is how they have backed a lot of players," he noted, while acknowledging that as the tournament progresses toward the knockout stages, the team may explore alternative combinations if circumstances demand.
Settling into the setup
Dahiya, who joined Gujarat Titans' coaching staff this season, reflected on his integration into the franchise. He credited the continuity within the support structure and the team's established culture for easing his transition. "I think it doesn't feel like it's my first year here. There are a lot of people who've been around and I've been around the system as well," he said, adding that the cohesion among coaching staff — many of whom he had previously worked with — created a seamless entry.
What lies ahead
With Gujarat having regained momentum at a critical juncture of IPL 2026, the franchise faces the challenge of sustaining their form through the business end of the tournament. Dahiya's emphasis on backing players while remaining flexible on squad selection suggests a balanced approach as the Titans aim to capitalise on their recent upturn.
Point of View
Rather than panic-shuffle, reflects a long-term outlook. But in a tournament where margins are razor-thin, this patience only pays if form arrives before the knockouts. The Titans have history — one title, multiple finals — but history doesn't guarantee a repeat.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did GT assistant coach Vijay Dahiya say about the Titans' recent turnaround in IPL 2026?
Dahiya credited the Titans' ability to close out close matches as the key factor in their recent success. He emphasised that the team had previously lost several tight contests, but their improved execution in pressure moments during recent games has been crucial to their resurgence.
How has the team environment at Gujarat Titans been during this turnaround?
Dahiya described the team environment as "top-notch," highlighting the positive atmosphere within the squad. He credited the franchise's established culture and continuity in the support staff for maintaining morale during the turnaround.
Why does Gujarat Titans continue to back underperforming players?
The franchise follows a philosophy of backing players through inconsistent phases, a strategy that has defined their approach since inception. Dahiya acknowledged that while results may not always justify immediate changes, this approach has worked for the Titans historically.
Is Vijay Dahiya new to Gujarat Titans' coaching setup?
Yes, Dahiya joined the Gujarat Titans' coaching staff in IPL 2026. However, he noted that his integration was smooth because many members of the support staff were familiar to him from previous working relationships, and the team's established culture eased his transition.
