Haven't spoken to Gujarat Titans about my exact role but I'm flexible to bat anywhere: Matthew Wade

Australian wicketkeeper-batter, Matthew Wade, is looking ahead to his comeback in the Indian Premier League, after being roped in by the Gujarat Titans for INR 2.40 crore at the recently concluded mega auction. Wade, who last played in the IPL way back in 2011 when he represented the Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils), suggested he is willing to play any role that the team wants him to fill in.

While the southpaw usually dons the openers hat for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, he has been playing out the finisher’s role to great effect for the national side in the shortest format of the game. Therefore, having gained plenty of experience over his T20 career, Wade suggested that he is comfortable playing at any given slot in the Titan’s batting order.

“I haven’t spoken to them exactly about what my role will be, but I would assume anywhere from opening down to seven I’m pretty comfortable with. It doesn’t worry me too much. If middle-order comes my way, then it’s another opportunity to get some game time in and play that role,” Wade was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Feel blessed I’ve been given the chance to play IPL again: Matthew Wade

The 34-year-old played arguably his best T20I innings 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE against Pakistan in the semi-finals. Chasing 178, Australia were in a spot of bother when Wade played a blinder of an innings at No. 7, hitting Shaheen Shah Afridi for three consecutive sixes to seal an unlikely win for Australia, who later went on to become the eventual champions. However, the batter reiterated his ability at the top of the order as well stating that he has enough experience opening the innings in T20 cricket.

“I know what I can do at the top of the order. I’ve done it for a long period of time now as well. I’m just really, really happy that I got the opportunity. It’s been a long time since I have. I feel blessed in that I’ve been given the chance to go over there and play IPL again,” he concluded

Wade, who showed prolific form in the recently concluded five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, will be donning the Gujarat colours at the 15th edition of the IPL slated to begin in March. The franchisee making its debut at the tournament will be led by Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya. Aside from Pandya, the Gujarat Titans also drafted in Shubman Gill and Afghanistan’s star bowler, Rashid Khan before completing their squad at the auction table.