Work done with Dravid
Upton has been associated with various teams of IPL (Indian Premier League). He has worked with Dravid in Rajasthan Royals. According to the source, Dravid, who has worked with Upton, approached him to add him to the team. Before the T20 World Cup, the schedule of the Indian team is very busy. The team will start its campaign in this World Cup against Pakistan in Melbourne on 23 October. In such a situation, Dravid probably felt the need for someone who is known to inspire as well as help players deal with the busyness of international cricket.
9 years waiting for ICC trophy
India has not won any ICC title after 2013 (Champions Trophy), so BCCI does not want to leave any stone unturned. The BCCI had appointed Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the team’s mentor in the last World Cup but it did not yield good results. Upton has worked in the Indian and IPL teams with Virat Kohli, captain Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal and Pranbhav Krishna. In such a situation, it is understood that he is aware of the needs of most players.
It is understood that Upton may hold a few sessions with Kohli, the team’s leading batsman, who has been struggling to find his rhythm for a long time. “It is great that someone like Paddy has joined the Indian team again. If you look at Virat’s batting, he doesn’t always look out of form and he may not be able to overcome the mental hurdle. Upton has worked with him in the past as well.