Gujarat Titans (GT) wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat opined on the importance of preparation and mental freshness during long tournaments like the IPL, while also applauding captain Shubman Gill for his composed leadership.
Speaking to ANI ahead of GT’s clash against defending champions RCB on Thursday, Rawat said, “I think as a cricketer, you must keep doing your own preparation because you get that environment to prepare whenever you get the chance. That is a very important time, both mentally and physically–how you keep yourself fresh and wait for your opportunity.”
On Shubman Gill’s captaincy, Rawat lauded visible improvement and maturity in the young leader’s approach, stating his ability to balance aggression with composure.
“I saw improvement in Gill’s captaincy last year as well and even during the England Test tour. This year, he has shown a lot of calmness. There is a time to be aggressive and a time to stay calm, and that has been clearly visible. It feels good when your captain leads like this,” he further added.
Rawat also opened up on the influence of GT’s batting coach Matthew Hayden, particularly in enhancing his power-hitting skills as well.
“The main advice I have taken from him is about power hitting. As a middle-order batter, my role is to finish innings strongly. He has guided me on how to extend my arms and generate power for bigger sixes, and I am working on that,” Rawat stated.
He further applauded teammate Glenn Phillips for his fielding abilities, calling him a “gun fielder.”
“I think he is a gun fielder,” Rawat concluded.
However, Anuj started his IPL journey with Rajasthan Royals, who signed him for Rs 80 lakh ahead of the 2021 season, before he later moved to RCB, where he was from 2022 to 2024, joining them for Rs 3.4 crore as well. After that, Rawat was picked up by the Gujarat Titans for the 2025 season at his base price of Rs 30 lakh as well.
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