"The Wall" Rahul Dravid could turn out to be the chief architect behind Delhi Daredevils' success in the IPL 2016. The former Indian cricketer has been appointed as the chief mentor of the side.
Also, Paddy Upton, former Indian assistant coach to Gary Kirsten, has been roped in as the head coach for the IPL franchisee. Upton was instrumental in providing assistance in the physical and mental conditioning of the players during his tenure, wherein India won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Dravid, also the head coach of the India U-19 cricket team, guided the colts to the final of the ICC U-19 World Cup 2016. India lost the game against West Indies in Dhaka by five wickets.
"I am very excited by the challenge of taking Delhi Daredevils on to the next level," Dravid was quoted by a press release as saying on Tuesday. "From what I have seen I have been impressed by the ambition and energy demonstrated by the team and I look forward to working with a group of players that I believe have what it takes to succeed."
"Along with the rest of the support staff, I am fully aware of what this franchise means to its supporters and I intend to do everything possible to help build a team that the fans can be proud of," the 43-year-old added.
Dravid, who was associated with the India A and the India U-19 side, had taken up the role of a mentor for Rajasthan Royals in the last two editions of the tournament. Delhi Daredevils, meanwhile, parted ways with former India head coach Gary Kirsten last year after a string of poor results in the IPL.
The Delhi side also announced that ex-Mumbai batsman Zubin Bharucha will be the Technical Director of the IPL team. The trio of Dravid, Upton and Bharucha had worked together previously at Rajasthan Royals as well.
