Former Australia international Andrew McDonald has been appointed as the head coach of Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals for a three-year tenure.

McDonald will replace South African Paddy Upton, who coached Rajasthan on two separate tenures, first from 2013 to 2015, followed by a solitary season in 2019. In the latest edition of the IPL, Royals struggled under him, failing to make it to the playoffs and finishing second-last on the points table with five wins in 14 games.

“I’m delighted to join the Royals family. It’s a great honour to take on this responsibility. The Rajasthan Royals is a new, exciting challenge for me, and I can’t wait to get started working with our world-class players and coaches in one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world,” McDonald told the Rajasthan Royals website.

McDonald, 38, comes to Jaipur with an extensive resume. His first backroom appointment came ahead of the 2015 county season, where he turned from player to head coach at Leicestershire.

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He then moved back to Australia in 2016, taking over as the head coach of Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League and Victoria in other domestic competitions. McDonald enjoyed roaring success with both sides last season, as Victoria won the Sheffield Shield and the One-Day Cup titles while Renegades donned their maiden BBL crown.

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“Andrew’s innovative, forward-thinking nature, along with his experience in the IPL and success in other leagues is why we have selected him as head coach to help us drive long term success,” said Zubin Bharucha, the head of cricket at Rajasthan Royals.

“He is data-focused and an impressive man manager who remains well versed with the rigours of modern-day cricket.”

Reports in India suggest that the 13th edition of the IPL will begin on April 1 and will run till May 30.

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