Former India assistant coach joins Rahul Dravid's support staff

Paddy Upton joins coach Rahul Dravid's support staff as the mental conditioning coach in the lead-up to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup later this year in Australia.

Upton previously worked with the Indian cricket team between 2008 and 2011 as an assistant coach under Gary Kirsten, during which time India became the No.1-ranked Test team for the first time and also famously won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 on home soil.

According to reports, Dravid recommended Upton's appointment this time around, with the duo having worked together in the Indian Premier League with Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).

Upton confirmed his new position with the Indian team, stating in a Linkedin post, "I genuinely am excited to have joined the Indian cricket team, as a mental conditioning coach. I’ll be supporting the players and coaches in preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, in Oct/Nov ‘22."

Upton has travelled across the world and has been part of multiple T20 franchises as head coach. Most recently, he was 'Team Catalyst' at Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022, where his role also included the mental conditioning of players inside the bio-bubble.

Reflecting on his various experiences in the Indian cricket circles, Upton added, "My relationship with Indian cricket started 14 years ago when I worked alongside Gary Kirsten, who was appointed head coach of the Indian team at the time.

"One World Cup win, a world No. 1 Test position, eight IPL coaching stints and three IPL playoffs later, I’m happy to have the privilege of being back in the saddle with the Indian team."

Upton added that he was 'fortunate' to work with Rahul Dravid again. "I feel particularly fortunate to be supporting current Head Coach Rahul Dravid, who I’ve worked with in a number of different teams and roles over the past 14 years," he concluded.

India have a packed schedule heading into the T20 World Cup. Led by stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan, India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series in West Indies with a game to go. They will then play a five-match T20I series where Rohit Sharma will return to assume his role as captain.

India will then play Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series in mid-August, before attempting to win the Asia Cup in UAE as well as home series against South Africa and Australia.