Yuvraj Singh Laments Need Of Mental Conditioning Coach For Team India

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh beat cancer to return to cricket. But failed to replicate his old form. His contribution from Team India remains immense. The 2011 World Cup man-of-the-series lamented the need of a mental conditioning coach like Paddy Upton who can understand the players better.

Upton spent three years with Team India. He along with Gary Kirsten oversaw a period when India lifted their second World Cup title in 2011. He, however, did not continue after that. But Kirsten termed his contribution “invaluable” for the team.

Yuvraj Singh: India needs a psychologist who can talk about personal issues

Yuvraj Singh had shared good sessions with Paddy Upton during his stint for the national team. He feels Team India needs a psychologist who can address their off the field problems. It will only make them a better player and learn to overcome failure.

“This Indian team needs a good guy who can talk to them on matters off the field. Their off-the-field issues reflect on their on-field performances. What they need is a psychologist of authority who can guide them in personal issues,” Yuvraj said in an interview to Sportstar.

“Make them better persons. We had Paddy Upton who would discuss other issues of life, like fear of failure, and it helped us so much. The team probably needs someone like him,” he added.

Upton had a sport psychology major. He redefined his career as Mental Conditioning coach (in sport) and Executive Coach (in Business) in 2003. He has also worked with rugby teams and hockey teams across Australia, India and South Africa.