After a successful stint as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team, Rahul Dravid has returned to the Rajasthan Royals as their head coach for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. This move marks a significant chapter in Dravid’s illustrious career, as he takes on the challenge of leading the Royals to their first IPL title since their inaugural win in 2008.
Rahul Dravid’s triumphant return to RR
Dravid’s return to the Rajasthan Royals comes after his tenure with the Indian team, which culminated in a T20 World Cup victory in July 2024. His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in India’s triumph, and his return to the IPL is seen as a perfect challenge for the cricketing legend.
Dravid’s association with the Royals is not new. He joined the franchise in 2011 and served as the captain for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He later took on the role of mentor and Director of Cricket in 2014 and 2015 before moving to the Delhi Capitals. His deep understanding of the Royals’ ethos and his previous experience with the team make him an ideal candidate to lead them once again.
In a statement, Dravid expressed his excitement about returning to the Royals. “I am pleased to be returning to the franchise I have called ‘home’ for a number of years in the past. After the World Cup, I feel it’s the ideal time for me to take on another challenge, and the Royals is the perfect place to do that,” he said.
Dravid’s return to the Royals is not just about his coaching prowess but also about his strategic vision for the team. He has already begun discussions with Kumar Sangakkara, the Director of Cricket for the Royals, to plan for the upcoming season, including the mega auction set to take place later this year.
Kumar Sangakkara 🤝 Rahul Dravid 🔥💗
This is going to be exciting! 😍 pic.twitter.com/eAN4cvZsG1
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 6, 2024
Sangakkara, who will continue in his role, expressed his enthusiasm about working with Dravid. “Rahul is one of the greatest players to have played the game, but what he has achieved over the past decade as a coach is extraordinary. His return to the Royals brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that will be invaluable for the team,” Sangakkara said.
As the Royals prepare for the IPL 2025 season, the entire cricketing fraternity will be watching Dravid’s journey with keen interest. His return to the IPL, coupled with his recent success with the Indian team, has raised expectations, and fans are hopeful that he can lead the Royals to another title victory.
Also Read: Neeraj Chopra Qualifies for the Diamond League Final in Brussels