Gujarat Titans wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat has underlined how crucial constant preparation and mental sharpness are across the long grind of the IPL, while also praising captain Shubman Gill for the steadiness he brings to the role. Speaking ahead of GT’s meeting with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday, Rawat stressed that keeping yourself ready—physically and mentally—can make all the difference when opportunities come along.
Preparation, freshness and waiting for your chance
Rawat said that personal routine and discipline matter most in a tournament where selection moments can arrive suddenly. He pointed to the need to remain mentally and physically “fresh” so that a batter can take advantage when the team calls on them.
- Rawat believes a cricketer must continuously do individual preparation to stay available for opportunities.
- He added that the preparation window is important both mentally and physically, helping players remain fresh until their moment arrives.
Gill’s leadership style: aggression with calm
On the captaincy front, Rawat spoke highly about Gill’s growth, noting visible maturity in how the young leader manages matches. He suggested Gill has developed a clear understanding of when to press the advantage aggressively and when to slow things down and maintain composure.
- Rawat said he saw improvement in Gill’s captaincy during last year and even during the England Test tour.
- He highlighted Gill’s calmness this season, describing a balance between aggression and steadiness.
- Rawat said it feels good when a captain leads in a manner like that.
Coaching influence and batting role with power-hitting focus
Rawat also spoke about the guidance he has received from GT’s batting coach Matthew Hayden, especially with regard to developing his power game. Rawat framed his own batting as a middle-order responsibility—finishing innings strongly—and said Hayden’s advice has specifically targeted how he can generate more power for bigger hits.
- Rawat said the key advice he has taken from Hayden relates to power hitting.
- He described his middle-order role as finishing innings decisively.
- Rawat credited Hayden with teaching him how to extend his arms and generate power for larger sixes, and said he is working on it.
Fielding praise for Glenn Phillips and GT vs RCB standings
Rawat further praised Glenn Phillips, singling out his effectiveness in the field and calling him a “gun fielder.”
- Rawat described Phillips as a “gun fielder.”
Rawat’s IPL journey and current GT position
Rawat’s IPL background traces back to his early days with Rajasthan Royals, followed by a significant stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru before his move to Gujarat Titans.
- He started his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals, who signed him for Rs 80 lakh ahead of the 2021 season.
- He later moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and was part of the franchise from 2022 to 2024, joining for Rs 3.4 crore.
- During his RCB period, Rawat played 22 matches, scoring 318 runs and including a half-century for the side.
- His best outing came in 2022 when he hit 66 against the Mumbai Indians.
- After his time with RCB, Gujarat Titans picked him for the 2025 season at his base price of Rs 30 lakh.
- He was retained for the 2026 season as well and currently operates as a backup wicketkeeper-batter for GT.
Points table picture: GT fifth, RCB second
Heading into the clash, GT are positioned in the middle of the table, while RCB sit near the top. Rawat’s comments come as both franchises prepare for a high-stakes matchup.
- In the 2026 season, GT—led by Gill—are placed fifth on the points table.
- GT have won four and lost four of their eight matches, collecting eight points.
- GT’s net run rate stands at -0.475.
- Defending champions Bengaluru are second in the standings.
- Rajat Patidar leads the side, which has won six and lost two of eight games.
- RCB have 12 points, with a net run rate of 1.919.
Match details
GT and RCB will face each other at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on April 30.
