Picture Credit: Rajasthan Royals
With unstoppable cricket being played by teams across the globe, players seem to be suffering a dent in their physical as well as mental health. Team India has also been playing non-stop cricket for the past few months have events lined up for the next few months as well. The much-awaited T20 World Cup is also set to be played this year in October-November.
So, to keep its players physically as well as mentally fresh for the mega event, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to appoint a mental health conditioning coach for the team till the 2022 T20 World Cup. South African cricketer Paddy Upton, who specializes in mental health coaching, is touted to take over the role, as per reports. Upton is set to join the team in the coming days in the West Indies and is set to serve as the mental conditioning coach till the T20 World Cup.
The board shared a picture of Upton on Twitter and wrote "Say Hello ?? to our Mental Conditioning Coach - Mr. Paddy Upton" in the caption.
Notably, the former South African has already worked with team India. He was a part of the support staff for the 2011 World Cup, which India won. Upton is also said to have a good bond with India's current head coach 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. The duo then joined hands as a mentor and head coach respectively in two IPL franchises – Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals).
Dravid has also praised the South African for his understanding of the game and the way he approaches both cricket and life. “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.