IPL 2019: Paddy Upton appointed as head coach of Rajasthan Royals for upcoming season

Rajasthan Royals have roped in Paddy Upton as the head coach for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The experienced coach is no stranger to the franchise having served Royals previously between 2013 - 2015.

Apart from Rajasthan Royals, the 50-year-old has had coaching stints with Pune Warriors India and Delhi Daredevils in the IPL.

The South African in his first season at helm for Royals saw them reach the semi-finals in the IPL, while, in the same year, they finished runners up in the Champions League.

“The experience and knowledge that he brings to the table is unparalleled. As coach, mentor and scientific trainer, Paddy Upton is well versed with the rigours of modern day sport. We are thrilled to have him back in our team and can’t wait to put on our pads and get going in the new season,” Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket, Rajasthan Royal said in a release.

India’s former mental conditioning coach, who was part of the 2011 World Cup winning support staff, has coached various T20 franchises around the globe from Sydney Thunder (2014-2018) in the Big Bash League, where he won the competition in 2015-16 season and Lahore Qalandars (2016-17) in the Pakistan Super League.

“It gives us immense pleasure to announce Paddy joining the team. We welcome him back to the Royals Family. Paddy is someone who is well versed with the culture of Rajasthan Royals and he knows what it takes to achieve success in international sport at the highest level. We cannot wait for the season to begin and are so pleased that the BCCI have confirmed it will be held entirely in India,” said Manoj Badale, Lead Owner of Rajasthan Royals.

The 12th season of the Indian Premier League will start from 23 March, 2019. The full schedule of the 12th season is yet to be announced.