Paddy Upton | The Art of Leadership | The Legacy Project
Virat Kohli, during the practice session leading to the first semifinal against New Zealand in Mumbai on November 14, 2023, surprises by batting left-handed. A moment captured by Emmanual Yogini.
Paddy Upton shares a unique connection with Indian cricket, having been part of the support staff during the historic 2011 World Cup triumph led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
While his second stint, albeit brief, didn’t match the previous success, with India bowing out of the T20 World Cup semifinals last year, Upton played a crucial role in helping a struggling Virat Kohli ‘find perspective.’
As India braces for another World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, this time at the Wankhede Stadium, Upton asserts that the outcome of the 2019 semifinal won’t echo in the present.
“I think the specters of 2019 haunt fans more than players,” Upton shares with Sportstar.
“The team has a different coach, some different players, and those who played then are now much more seasoned. I don’t think they have anything to worry about, except the fact that they enter as favorites, giving New Zealand the freedom to play with a little more flair.”
Remaining unbeaten in the tournament so far, India, led by Rohit Sharma, is expected to maintain a similar approach in the knockouts.
“The current team is incredibly robust, in form with both bat and ball. For the next two games, their main focus is quite simple: adhere to the basics, prepare thoroughly, and let each player play to their strengths (avoiding unnecessary cleverness or flashiness),” notes Upton.
Despite India’s dominance in bilateral series and the Asia Cup, an ICC title has eluded them for a decade. Yet, Upton believes that champion teams handle success and failure in similar fashion.
“They conduct a comprehensive review, extract lessons from the past, leave it behind, and apply those lessons in the next game,” he remarks.
“Knowing Rahul and Rohit well, I am confident they have meticulously prepared the team for every opponent, venue, and situation. When you combine excellent preparation with exceptional skill, it’s a potent recipe for confidence,” adds Upton, who has collaborated with Dravid in the Indian team and IPL franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils.
“When confidence is expressed with composure, success usually follows. This current team, considering the cricket acumen and leadership qualities of the coach and captain, surprises me.”
In a recent conversation with the host broadcaster, Kohli acknowledged that constant dialogues with Upton aided in achieving a robust mental state. While Upton keeps the details confidential, he reveals ongoing conversations with Kohli. “I’ve had extensive discussions with Virat and continue to maintain regular contact. The content of our conversations is confidential, however…”
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