The Indian team got a huge boost to the preparations for the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia as renowned mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton joined the squad ahead of the T20I series in West Indies which begins on July 29.
India will play five T20I matches with three of them to be played in the Caribbean in Tarouba and Basseterre and two in the United States of America on July 29, August 1, 2, 6, and 7.
Paddy Upton was first brought in to help the Indian team in 2008 by then coach Gary Kirsten and the duo helped the Indian team win numerous tournaments, including the 2011 World Cup after which they parted ways with the Indian team.
Since then, Upton has been associated with various IPL teams and also worked with Rahul Dravid at Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals.
Now Upton has joined the Indian team to help them prepare for the T20 World Cup 2022 which will be played in Australia in October-November this year.
Meanwhile, Team India Instagram account also shared a photo of Upton in Caribbean with caption reading: “Say Hello to our Mental Conditioning Coach Mr. Paddy Upton”
Upton himself posted a photo with the Indian team players and said that he was genuinely excited to be working with the Indian team again.
He said: “People normally start these announcements with ‘I’m really excited to...’, but I genuinely AM excited to have joined the Indian cricket team, as 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.
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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.
And this time, 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. Let the games begin.”
