Reports: Rajasthan Royals finalize their candidate for the head coach position

What's the story?

Paddy Upton is likely to be appointed as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. The position was vacant in the previous season and Rajasthan Royals have decided to give Paddy Upton a second stint with the Jaipur-based franchise.

The background

It was announced that this year's IPL would take place in India and could start as early as March 23rd. Rajasthan Royals are the only team in which the position of the head-coach was vacant. However, RR has made a decision regarding their head coach.

Paddy Upton, who served as the coach of Rajasthan Royals between 2013 and 2015 is likely to get the job again for the upcoming season. Although a number of names including that of Shane Warne were doing rounds for this position, it seems Upton has got the nod from the RR management.

The heart of the matter

Shane Warne was the mentor of the Rajasthan Royals team last season in which they reached the playoffs. The franchise did not have a head coach in 2018. Apparently, Paddy Upton could be announced as the coach of Rajasthan Royals in the coming days.

Upton has previously coached Pune Warriors, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils in the IPL along with various other T20 franchises across the globe. He will join RR which already has Steffan Jones, Amol Mazumdar, and Sairaj Bahutale as the fast-bowling, batting and spin-bowling coach respectively. Shane Warne could continue his association with the franchise too.

Although Steve Smith is available for the upcoming season, Ajinkya Rahane could continue as the captain next season.

What's next?

With Rajasthan Royals also finalizing their candidate for the head coach, the position will now be filled in all the eight franchises. With the IPL set to take place in India, the teams could start preparing for the tournament which will have an early beginning.