Rahul Dravid to be Delhi Daredevils Mentor in IPL 2016

Delhi Daredevils have appointed Rahul Dravid as their mentor for Indian Premier League season 2016. Dravid was associated with former champions Rajasthan Royals, who have been suspended for two years due to betting and match-fixing charges. (Read More in Cricket)

Paddy Upton will be the new Delhi Daredevils coach. He replaces former India coach Gary Kirsten. The South African, who helped India win the 2011 World cup, was removed last year. (Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals Two-Year Suspension Looks Certain: IPL Official)

Dravid recently coached the Indian Under-19 team at the World Cup. The former Indian Test captain was instrumental in grooming several young players like Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane during his stint with Rajasthan Royals.

Delhi finished seventh last season. The team has failed to break into the top four in spite of investing in big players like Yuvraj Singh and Kevin Pietersen.

Dravid will have his task cut out but will have an able assistant in Upton, who has worked with him at Royals.

Former Mumbai Ranji Trophy opener Zubin Bharucha was named as the technical director of Delhi Daredevils. The new-look support staff took charge of the side on Monday.
The support staff for Delhi also features former India cricketers TA Sekar, Pravin Amre, Sridharan Sriram and physios Paul Close and Vaibhav Daga. They were also part of the squad last year.

"I am very excited by the challenge of taking Delhi Daredevils on to the next level. 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," said Dravid.

.@DelhiDaredevils appoints Rahul Dravid as the team mentor for VIVO #IPL 2016 season pic.twitter.com/VJJmM0FiVO

- IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 1, 2016