Indian team management has reportedly roped in the services of mental conditioning expert Paddy Upton to help the players prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022 which will be played in October-November T20 World Cup in Australia.

“Paddy will be joining the team in West Indies as a mental conditioning coach and will be there till the T20 World Cup,” said a BCCI official on condition of anonymity.

Upton has been involved in cricket around the world in various capacities and enjoys a good rapport with head coach Rahul Dravid. Both have worked together as coaches on many teams. Dravid was just a player when Upton would assist India head coach Gary Kirsten in the late 2010s.

Later the duo joined forces for the Rajasthan Royals franchise in the Indian Premier League and then for Delhi Capitals, where Dravid served as head coach after calling time on his cricketing career.

“Paddy is a thought leader. He brings a unique approach and relevant approach to cricket and life,” Dravid had written in praise of Upton in the latter’s book.

Ricky Ponting names his picks for finalists and winner of the T20 World Cup 2022

Over the years, the Indian coaches have been regularly studying the experts to mentally condition the players in dealing with the pressures of the World Cup.

Before the Upton 2011, coach John Wright brought sports psychologist Sandy Gordon to the 2003 World Cup squad led by Sourav Ganguly. Ahead of the 2007 World Cup in West Indies, coach Greg Chappell used the services of famous sports psychologist Rudy Webster.

But with Ravi Shastri taking over the coaching duties for an extensive time, except when Anil Kumble was the coach for a year, the mind coach position was scrapped with Shastri being known to be a strong motivator.

India had won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and reached the finals of the tournament in 2014 and semi-finals in 2016, but they are yet to win an ICC event since the 2013 Champions Trophy and will be eyeing the title in Australia.

(Hindustan Times inputs)