It seems that Delhi Daredevils are leaving no stones unturned to revive their fortunes in this year’s Indian Premier League. After securing the services of Rahul Dravid as the mentor of the side, the Indian Premier League franchise have named Paddy Upton as their head coach for the upcoming IPL season.
Upton, who guided Sydney Thunder to KFC Big Blash glory in 2016 has been given the job to revive Delhi’s fortunes in this year’s IPL.
Praising Paddy, Delhi Daredevils Business Chairman Kiran Kumar Gandhi said, “Paddy has had a successful career as head coach for T20 franchises around the world. This was most visible in the recently concluded Big Bash League, as he guided Sydney Thunder to their maiden title.”
So it is quite clear that Delhi Daredevils, who have had forgettable IPL outings in the last couple of years, are desperately seeking measures to turn the tide in their favour this time around. They are hoping that Paddy will be able to recreate the same magic he created with Sydney Thunder this year to guide them to their maiden BBL crown.
Paddy Upton had stints with the Indian Cricket team and the South African cricket team as mental conditioning coach before he became the head coach of the now suspended IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. The journey undoubtedly is an unconventional one.
Unorthodox coaching methods
Paddy Upton has been heavily praised by his players for his unorthodox coaching methods. One of the key members of the Sydney Thunder squad, Shane Watson called Upton as one of the best coaches in the world. The captain of the team Michael Hussey explained, “I think last year we went free diving instead of talking cricket and it’s just doing some little things that are a bit different which makes him stand out (as a coach)”
Some of his unusual coaching methods have come off well for the Syndey Thunder side and they seemed to have gelled well as a unit. It was the philosophy that Paddy wanted to convey.
He himself said, “What’s always been most important for us is the way we set up our campaign; the kind of culture and environment we create within the team. I’m a firm believer that results follow that, but obviously results going in our favour give momentum to what we’re trying to create.”
Delhi Daredevils is just hoping that this year around, the influence of Paddy and the experience of Dravid will take them to the unprecedented glory that they have been searching for a long time. One thing’s for sure that these two will definitely work hard towards achieving that.
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