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Jaipur, Jan 25 (IANS) Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals Friday announced the appointment of South African Paddy Upton as the team's head coach. The 44-year-old mental conditioning coach of the South African cricket team will coach the Royals in the sixth season IPL scheduled to begin in April. Upton assisted former India coach Gary Kirsten as mental conditioning coach, taking the Indian cricket team to the 2011 ICC World Cup triumph. The South African team became the No.1 test-playing nation under Kirsten and Upton's tutelage. Upton's unique coaching approach is said to be groundbreaking, redefining sports coaching the world over. He received appreciation from various quarters for his immense contribution to the World Cup-winning Indian team. Upton, who will take on the role of head coach said of his appointment, said, "It is indeed an honour for me to coach a dynamic team like Rajasthan Royals. It will be wonderful to work with Rahul (Dravid) once more. The team has some very talented players who have been noticed by the cricketing fraternity because of their phenomenal attitude and undying team spirit." Rahul Dravid, captain of the Rajasthan Royals, said, "I have worked with Paddy in the past and greatly respect him for his knowledge and professionalism. We welcome him to Rajasthan Royals and look forward to working with him in the coming months."
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