Rahul Dravid is all set to join Rajasthan Royals for the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League. The IPL 2025 is going to be massive as there is a mega auction scheduled. All franchises will be allowed to retain a limited number of players, and the remaining will come under the hammer. Not just players; all the management is keen to pick the right players for the coaching job as well.
That’s where the inaugural season winner Rajasthan Royals have decided to bring Rahul Dravid back on board. As per the latest developments, the franchise has signed the 51-year-old as the new head coach for the team. It is another stint for Dravid, as he has already led and mentored Rajasthan Royals in the past and will be joining the franchise for another stint.
Rahul Dravid joins Rajasthan Royals as Head Coach ahead of IPL 2025
Rahul Dravid was with the Indian team from 2021 until 2024. India won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 under his coaching, which was his final assignment with the team. And now he has joined RR for the IPL 2025. As reported by ESPN Cricinfo, RR has signed the former Indian head coach and is already part of the discussion for retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Rahul Dravid’s return to RR as a coach is imminent 🏏#RahulDravid #RR #IPL2025 #Indiancricket #Insidesport #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/TQixqCNxEb
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) September 4, 2024
Dravid joined RR as a player in 2011 and led the franchise as captain for 2012 and 2013 editions. After his retirement from IPL, he joined the team as director and mentor for the next two seasons in 2014 and 2015. Later in 2016, he joined Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) until 2019. He served as the NCA head between 2019 and 2021, before joining the Indian team as head coach.
Furthermore, the report also confirms that the Rajasthan-based franchise might also sign former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour as assistant coach. Meanwhile, Kumar Sangakkara, who is the director of cricket, will continue and also look after the other team in other leagues.
Notably, Rajasthan Royals have not won a title since the very first season. They made to the final in 2022 but lost it against Gujarat Titans. Despite having some big names on their side, RR hasn’t won the title. They finished third in the IPL 2024, and the franchise is desperate to get their hands on the title.