Rahul Dravid named Rajasthan Royals head coach for IPL 2025? Here's the update

Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team concluded on a high note when the Men in Blue clinched the T20 World Cup in June, marking their first victory in the tournament in 17 years. This remarkable achievement capped off Dravid’s successful stint as coach, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian cricket. Now, the legendary cricketer is poised to make a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as they prepare for the 2025 season. According to reports, Dravid has recently signed a contract with the franchise and has already begun discussions about player retentions in anticipation of the upcoming mega auction. This move signals Dravid’s renewed commitment to the Royals, a team with which he has had a notable connection in the past.

Rahul Dravid returns as Rajasthan Royals head coach for IPL 2025

Dravid's association with the Royals is not new; he has a well-established relationship with the team’s charismatic captain, Sanju Samson. Samson, who rose through the ranks of under-19 cricket under Dravid’s mentorship, will be working closely with him once again. This reunion is expected to bring valuable experience and insight to the Royals as they look to build a competitive squad for the 2025 IPL season. Dravid's return to the IPL is anticipated to bolster the team’s prospects and provide a significant boost to their strategic planning and player development.

Rahul Dravid’s connection with the Rajasthan Royals dates back to 2011 when he was acquired by the franchise at the auction. He played a pivotal role for the Royals, captaining the team to the inaugural IPL championship in 2012 and leading them again in 2013. Dravid’s leadership and experience were crucial during these years, and he later took on the role of mentor for the team ahead of the 2014 season. In 2016, Dravid transitioned to the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), where he contributed significantly before becoming the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru in 2019. His tenure at the NCA was marked by his efforts to nurture young talent and improve domestic cricket standards.

In 2021, Dravid was appointed head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. His leadership culminated in a historic achievement as India won their first ICC title in 11 years. Now, as he returns to the Rajasthan Royals, Dravid is set to take on the role of head coach once again. His extensive experience and previous success with the franchise are expected to play a vital role in shaping the team’s strategy for the upcoming IPL season.

It is anticipated that the Rajasthan Royals will also bring former Indian batter Vikram Rathour on board as one of Rahul Dravid’s assistant coaches. Rathour, who has a distinguished background as a former India selector, previously worked alongside Dravid at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) before assuming the role of India’s batting coach in 2019. His experience and insight are expected to be valuable assets to the Royals' coaching staff as they prepare for the IPL 2025 season. The latest reports indicate that Dravid will take on the role of head coach for the Rajasthan Royals, bringing his extensive expertise and strategic acumen to the team. Dravid’s return to the Royals is eagerly anticipated, given his successful history with the franchise and his recent achievements with the Indian national team.

Meanwhile, Kumar Sangakkara, who has been serving as the director of cricket for the Royals since 2021, will continue in his role with the franchise. Sangakkara will oversee the management of the other teams under the Royals' umbrella, including the Paarl Royals in the SA20 league and the Barbados Royals in the CPL. This arrangement allows for a seamless continuation of the Royals’ broader cricketing strategy while leveraging the strengths of both Dravid and Sangakkara in their respective roles.

The Rajasthan Royals have not claimed the IPL title since their inaugural victory in 2008. Despite their historic win in the first season, the team has faced various challenges in subsequent years. Their most notable recent success came in 2022, when they reached the final but were defeated by the debutant Gujarat Titans. This marked their second-best finish in the league’s history, rekindling hopes of another championship run.

The 2023 season presented a mix of promise and disappointment for the Royals. They started the tournament strongly, winning eight out of their first nine matches and appearing poised for a successful campaign. However, their fortunes took a turn as they struggled in the latter part of the league phase, failing to secure a victory in their remaining five games. This slump in form saw them drop out of the top positions and enter the Eliminator as their final chance for survival.

In the Eliminator, RR managed to secure a victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore, which kept their playoff hopes alive. However, their journey came to an end when they were defeated by Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Royals' performance in the 2023 season highlighted both their potential and the inconsistencies they need to address. As they prepare for IPL 2025, the team, under new leadership, will aim to recapture their winning form and secure another title.