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Following India's failure to win the T20 World Cup 2022 title, BCCI has decided not to extend the contract of Paddy Upton, who was appointed as the mental conditioning coach of Team India before the World Cup. The news comes before the Indian team's tour of Bangladesh for three ODIs and two Test matches, starting next week.
The South African's tenure with Team India started with the West Indies tour and was supposed to go on till the T20 World Cup after which, his future was to be decided. The Indian team got eliminated after losing the semifinals to England after which the BCCI sacked the entire selection committee, deciding to form a fresh selection panel.
Gavaskar criticism
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticised Upton's work during the World Cup, questioning why he did not sir with KL Rahul. The out-of-form India opener drew the ire of fans and critics alike, a lot during the World Cup. He played especially slowly during the powerplay overs.
Second stint with Team India
Upton has worked with the Indian team before when India won the World Cup under the captaincy of MS Dhoni in 2011. Then, it was head coach Gary Kirsten who chose him. Paddy Upton was with the team from 2008 to 2011. He played the dual role of Menton Conditioning Coach and Strategic Leadership Coach during their period. He had a good rapport with all the players in the team including current head coach Dravid.
Upton has also worked with Dravid in IPL. He was part of the coaching staff at Rajasthan Royals. He has also been with erstwhile franchises Pune Warriors India and Delhi Daredevils. After his stint with the Indian team, Upton joined the South African team between 2011 and 2014 and held the position of Performance Director.
