Rahul Dravid have been appointed as mentor of Delhi Daredevils for the Indian Premier League 2016 and Paddy Upton have been appointed for the head coach of the Delhi Daredevils.
Rahul Dravid was associated with Rajasthan Royals, who have been suspended for two years due to match-fixing charges. Paddy Upton replaces the former India coach Gary Kirsten. Delhi Daredevils franchise was removed Gary Kirsten last year.
Rahul Dravid coached the Indian U19 team at the U19 World Cup. At the event, Rahul Dravid said, “Enjoyed my time at Rajasthan Royals. I’ve had fond memories there and I’m keen on making a few more here at Delhi.”
He added, “DD have three brilliant wicketkeeper-batsmen in De Kock, Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant. Two of them may play as specialist batsmen. I don’t like to address players as ‘icon’. Irrespective of who you are, you’ve got to perform.
Dravid said,“Don’t think the price for which a player has been bought during the auction, is a criteria of his talent. I would aspire young cricketers to grow and play all three formats of cricket.”
Delhi Daredevils appointed former Mumbai Ranji Trophy opener Zubin Bharucha as Technical director. The support staff for Delhi also features former India cricketers TA Sekar, Pravin Amre, Sridharan Sriram and physios Paul Close and Vaibhav Daga.