The head coach for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) Paddy Upton has set focus on certain charters ahead of the kick-off of the cricketing carnival in India. Upton has put weight behind professionalism while backing youngsters of the Jaipur-based franchise in particular. With IPL 2019 less than a week away, Upton has made challenge easy for the talented cricketers by his recent suggestions.
The South African Upton has suggested the young crop of cricketers to enjoy their outing in contemporary times. He added it is one of the ways to excel in pressure situations.
In addition, Upton believes the primary goal is to win little battles while relying on strength.
Enjoy the present scenario: Paddy Upton
The 50-year-old Upton stressed that pressure creeps in when players are looking beyond the future.
Upton made a valid point on suggesting youngsters for working according to your ability by giving their hundred per cent.
“Pressure can only be experienced when the mind is focused on the future and is worried about a future result. When a player wants to desperately do well in the future, or is too scared of doing badly, it causes anxiety. Hence my only advice to young stars in the IPL is to enjoy the present and then see how the pressure reduces,” Upton told Cricbuzz.
Interestingly, Upton has served as the mental conditioning coach for India that won the 2011 World Cup. He believes the stars take pleasure in representing countries at the highest level.
Youngsters and fresh environment:
He added it’s altogether a different faced for the youngsters while making an appearance during pressure situations of the game.
“The international stars have personal pride at stake in every televised game while domestic players have pressure of another kind. The young players arrive to a fresh environment and it is their first exposure to big crowds, big games and a pressure environment,” Upton said.
Talking about Royals, Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side in the upcoming IPL. However, the return of top-order batsman Steven Smith has bolstered the team.
Moreover, the franchise has decided to don the pink jersey for the entire IPL season. Royals will face Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the fourth match of IPL 2019 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on March 25.
In the recent past, Royals struggled in between after winning the inaugural edition of the IPL 2008 under the leadership of Shane Warne. The leg-spinning sensation Warner has recently backed his old franchise to come good in the IPL 2019 season.
In the eleventh edition of the IPL, Royals won seven and lost as many in 14 outing. They finished fourth on the points table.
Apart from it, the impending edition will commence from March 23 in Chennai between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).