IPL 2019: Paddy Upton set for another head coach stint with Rajasthan Royals

Upton had actually worked with the franchise as a leader of the coaching group from 2013-15.

 Upton has been with the Indian team in the past | Getty

Paddy Upton is slated for a second stint with Rajasthan Royals after being franchise's head coach from 2013 to 2015 in the Indian Premier League(IPL). Champions of the inaugural season 11 years back, Rajasthan had actually left the head coach position vacant last year. But now, it is learnt, Upton has been signed up for a comeback in his role. 

While Shane Warne had played the role of a part-time mentor in 2018, as per ESPNcricinfo the legendary leg-spinner will be bestowed with the position of team's brand ambassador next year. 

Upton, along with fast-bowling consultant Steffan Jones and director of cricket Zubin Bharucha, will form the central coaching group for the Royals. On the other hand, Mumbai stalwarts Amol Muzumdar and Sairaj Bahutule have been retained as batting coach and spin-bowling coach, respectively.

The probabilities of Ajinkya Rahane continuing as the captain of the side have also enhanced with BCCI likely to follow Cricket Australia(CA) laid regulations against Steve Smith. 

CA has barred Smith from all leadership duties for atleast another 2 years as a repercussion for his role in the ball-tampering saga. Smith will remain a vital middle-order cog, though, especially as he returns from his year-long player ban at the end of March. 

Upton, having served as assistant coach to Gary Kirsten for India and South Africa, has worked with Pune Warriors, Rajasthan Royals as well as Delhi Daredevils in the history of cash-rich T20 competition. 

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 09 Jan, 2019

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