New Delhi: Rahul Dravid, the celebrated coach who led India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, is set to make a significant comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals for the 2025 season. This marks a homecoming for Dravid, who has deep ties with the Royals, having captained the team in 2012 and 2013 and served as a mentor for two years.
Dravid’s New Role with Rajasthan Royals
After taking a break following India’s T20 World Cup triumph, Dravid is ready to dive back into coaching, this time focusing on player retention and team strategies ahead of the 2025 IPL auction. According to sources, the discussions are nearly complete, and Dravid will soon be announced as the head coach. Meanwhile, Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the Director of Cricket for the Royals, will continue in his role.
A Strong Connection with Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson, the current captain of Rajasthan Royals, has a long-standing professional relationship with Dravid. Samson’s early cricketing years were shaped under Dravid’s guidance, making this reunion a promising one for the team.
Rajasthan Royals’ Quest for Glory
Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural champions of IPL in 2008, have been striving to recapture their former glory. Though the team reached the finals in 2022, they were bested by Gujarat Titans. The following seasons saw mixed results, with a playoff miss in 2023 and an exit in the second qualifier in 2024.
With Dravid at the helm, the Royals hope to turn their fortunes around and aim for their second IPL title. His experience and deep understanding of the game, coupled with his connection to the team, could be the key to bringing back the golden days for Rajasthan Royals.