Paddy Upton, who was a part of the support staff of India’s 2011 World Cup winning team, is set to rejoin the Men in Blue as mental conditioning coach. The 53-year-old has been roped in on a short term contract, months ahead of the T20 World Cup. 

Also read: Former India captain Mithali Raj opens up on un-retiring with women’s IPL in sight

“Yes, Paddy will be joining the ODI team from Wednesday’s third game against the West Indies and will continue till the end of the T20 World Cup in Australia. It is a short-term arrangement for a period of four months,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Upton was first roped in by former India coach Gary Kirsten, when he took charge of the senior national team in 2008 and they forged a successful partnership till 2011.

Upton, since then has been associated with various IPL teams and has worked with Dravid at Rajasthan Royals.

Also read: England captain Jos Buttler opens up on World Cup 2023 prep, Ben Stokes’ loss

Upton, during last IPL, was Rajasthan Royals’ ‘team catalyst’.

Who is Paddy Upton?

Paddy Upton, who has been a mental coach throughout his career, has a Master’s degree in Sport Science at University of Cape Town. He also specialises as a Sports Scientist Executive Coach and is a Professor of Practice at Deakin University. 

Upton has previously worked as the Strength and Conditioning coach for the South African cricket team. He has two master’s degrees – Business Coaching from Middlesex University and Sport Science. 

Also read: Ben Stokes replies to Virat Kohli’s comment on his retirement post

In six years, 2012 to 2018, Upton has been head coach in 12 professional T20 cricket seasons for five teams. He took the Rajasthan Royals, who were placed at the bottom of the table for four years, to the semifinals and Champions League finals. 

He helped Sydney Thunder, who had lost 21 out of 22 games, to the title in the Big Bash League. 

In 2015 he was awarded the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Achiever Award. In 2017 he was appointed Professor of Practice at Deakin University.