Homecoming for Rahul Dravid; Indian cricket legend to become new Rajasthan Royals head coach

JAIPUR: Former Indian cricket team head coach and veteran player Rahul Dravid will soon assume charge as the new head coach of IPL side Rajasthan Royals. Dravid was the team's director and mentor during the 2014-15 IPL season. The former Indian head coach signed a contract to join the Rajasthan camp as head coach for the 2025 season.

Dravid's contract as the coach of the Indian team ended in June this year. The 51-year-old veteran player stepped down after leading India to the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup title. Dravid is said to have had preliminary talks with team management to discuss players to be retained in the upcoming mega auction. Dravid has been close with Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson since the latter’s under-19 days.

Dravid was the captain of Rajasthan Royals in 2012 and 2013. Then he became a director and mentor during 2014-15. In 2016, he also took charge of Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). Later in 2019, he became the head of Bengaluru National Cricket Academy. In 2021, Dravid took over as the coach of the India senior team.

Along with Dravid, it is reported that Rajasthan has signed a deal with former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour. Dravid will be the coach of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Former Sri Lankan player Kumar Sangakkara will lead the franchise in other leagues. Sangakkara will coach Paarl Royals in South Africa and Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League.

Rajasthan Royals have not won the IPL title since 2008. In 2022, they lost to Gujarat Titans in the final and in 2023, they were eliminated without seeing the play-offs.