Former India cricket team coach Rahul Dravid is set to return to the IPL in 2025. Reports suggest that Dravid is in discussion with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to become their new head coach.
Dravid has a long association with RR, having been both a captain and a mentor for the team.
What is Rahul Dravid’s history with Rajasthan Royals?
Rahul Dravid last worked with RR in 2014 and 2015 as a mentor. He took over as captain in IPL 2012 from Shane Warne. While his first season as captain ended with a 7th place finish, he led the team to the playoffs in 2014.
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After 2015, Dravid moved on to various roles with the BCCI, including head coach for India’s U-19 and India A teams, and later as the director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
In 2021, he became the head coach for the Indian men's cricket team, and finished his tenure with a T20 World Cup win in 2024.
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Will Rahul Dravid return to IPL and Rajasthan Royals?
With Gautam Gambhir replacing Dravid as the new coach of the Indian team, Dravid’s return to the IPL is now a possibility. The Times of India reported, “Talks are going on between RR and Dravid, and an announcement in this regard is round the corner.”
Dravid is no stranger to RR. He became their captain at 39, leading the team in 40 matches with 23 wins.
What is the current situation at Rajasthan Royals?
Zubin Bharucha, RR’s Director of High Performance, is currently assisting Sri Lanka Cricket coaches. This has left the future of Kumar Sangakkara, RR’s current director of cricket, unclear.
“I’m assisting Sri Lanka Cricket coaches in how they are setting up practice—from the academy to the international players.” Bharucha said.
The Indian squad has reached Sri Lanka for six white-ball matches, including three T20Is and three ODIs, starting later this week. This will be the first international assignment for newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir.