Cricket is a lonely game: Upton

By Our Correspondent

Dhaka

June 8: If it was biomechanics with Greg Chappell, it is mental conditioning with Gary Kirsten.

According to India’s mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, the new process is more complete in a way that it deals with all aspects – concentration, focusing, mental make-up biomechanism, strategic leadership, recovery and a bit of yoga.

"The aim is to keep the boys ready for every situation," Upton told this newspaper as the Indian team checked in here on Sunday.

He elaborated: "Like when the players are doing the nets there might be clamour and din outside. Proper mental conditioning increases the concentration level to such an extent that the mind can focus solely on the job in hand."

"It also deals with the strategic leadership qualities. Cricket can be lonely game at times, especially when you are batting. You have to be the master of the situation. Strategic leadership teaches how to take a stock of the situation and plan accordingly." he added.

But how the players are reacting to this new concept? "It’s not that I am driving home my points. It’s a gradual process and on the basis of my stint with them during the series against South Africa, I must say players were very receptive," said Upton who had also worked with the South African team in this capacity.

The process also includes building a team theme.

"The theme can vary from match to match or from series to series. But it’s important to have a theme because that sets the goal."

So, what is Team India’s theme for this tri-series? "We haven’t decided yet. I will sit with the boys and will come up one," Upton concluded.