Rahul Dravid To Be Appointed As Rajasthan Royals Head Coach For IPL 2025?

Rahul Dravid, fresh from leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup last month, is poised for a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Rajasthan Royals. Following his successful stint as India's head coach, which culminated in Rohit Sharma's team clinching the T20 World Cup after a 17-year gap, reports surfaced of Dravid being courted by various IPL franchises. Initially linked with Kolkata Knight Riders, the latest updates from the Times of India suggest that Dravid has finalized terms to join the Rajasthan Royals as their head coach for the upcoming 18th season of the lucrative league. Dravid's coaching acumen came to the fore during his tenure with the Indian team, where he guided them to a historic triumph in the T20 World Cup. Amidst speculation about his next move post-Team India, the allure of returning to the franchise where he enjoyed a long association as both player and mentor appears to have swayed Dravid's decision. The prospect of revitalizing Rajasthan Royals, a team known for nurturing young talent under his previous guidance, adds an intriguing dimension to his imminent appointment.

The transition marks a significant development in the IPL coaching landscape, with Dravid's wealth of experience as a player and a coach set to impact the Royals' strategy and performance in the upcoming season. While his association with Kolkata Knight Riders was also on the cards, Dravid's reported commitment to Rajasthan Royals signals a new chapter in his coaching career, one that promises to bring renewed vigor to the franchise ahead of the highly anticipated IPL season.

"Talks are going on between RR and Dravid, an announcement in his regard is round the corner," TOI quoted a source as saying.

Following India's triumphant T20 World Cup victory, Rahul Dravid humorously remarked in his final address as coach that he was now "unemployed" and open to offers. It seems he may have found his next venture with a familiar franchise he played a pivotal role in building. Dravid first joined the Rajasthan Royals in 2011 as captain, enjoying three seasons before retiring. Subsequently, from 2014 to 2015, he took on the role of mentor for the team. Currently, the Royals are without a head coach, with Kumar Sangakkara, the Director of Cricket since 2021, supported by assistant coaches Shane Bond and Trevor Penny. It remains to be seen how Sangakkara's responsibilities will evolve with Dravid's imminent appointment.

Reflecting on their recent IPL campaign, Rajasthan experienced a rollercoaster journey. Initially dominating with eight wins from their first nine matches under Sanju Samson's captaincy, they emerged as strong contenders. However, a downturn in form saw them manage just one victory in their last seven league games, ultimately finishing third in the standings. Despite a spirited victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator, their season ended with a defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2. Dravid's return to the Rajasthan Royals signals a potential reinvigoration for the team, leveraging his vast experience and previous success with the franchise. His strategic acumen and mentorship could be pivotal in guiding Rajasthan back to the pinnacle of IPL success in the upcoming season.