Former India head coach Rahul Dravid is making a much-anticipated return to the helm, this time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Rajasthan Royals. This move marks a significant homecoming for Dravid, who has a rich history with the Royals, having previously served the franchise as both captain and mentor. Dravid’s tenure with the Indian national team recently concluded on a high note, as he led the Men in Blue to a triumphant T20 World Cup victory in the West Indies and the USA.
According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, Dravid has already signed a contract with the Rajasthan Royals and has started participating in the franchise’s future planning, particularly their retention discussions, with the mega auction slated ahead of the 2025 IPL season. This is not Dravid’s first stint with the Royals; he captained the squad in 2012 and 2013, even leading them to the Champions League T20 final in the latter year. Later, in 2014 and 2015, he served as the team’s director and mentor before moving to the Delhi franchise, then known as the Delhi Daredevils and now rebranded as the Capitals, in a similar capacity.
Dravid’s association with nurturing young talent is widely recognized. After his time with the Royals, he took over as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and simultaneously served as head coach of the U-19 men’s team. Under his guidance, the Prithvi Shaw-led U-19 team clinched the trophy in 2018. His visionary leadership continued with the Indian senior team, where, starting in 2021, he played a pivotal role in breaking an 11-year ICC trophy drought by securing the second T20 World Cup title for India.
The ESPNCricinfo report also suggested that Dravid might reunite with former India batting coach Vikram Rathour, who could join the Rajasthan Royals as an assistant coach. This duo’s potential collaboration adds another layer of experience and expertise to the franchise’s coaching staff. Kumar Sangakkara, who has been serving as the team director and head coach for the Royals since 2021, is expected to continue with the franchise.
. However, his focus is anticipated to shift towards overseeing the operations of the Royals’ other teams – Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20 league.
At the Rajasthan Royals, Dravid will reunite with Sanju Samson, the team’s captain, with whom he shares a long-standing partnership that dates back to their days with the U-19 team and later at the Royals and Delhi franchises. This renewed collaboration is expected to bring about strategic advantages, especially given Dravid’s knack for developing young talents and his deep understanding of the IPL dynamics.
The Rajasthan Royals have seen fluctuating fortunes in recent years. After their remarkable journey to the finals in the inaugural IPL season and winning the championship, they experienced a significant lull, only to return to the finals again in 2022. Despite assembling one of the most formidable squads from 2022 to 2024, the team’s performance in the subsequent editions has been less consistent. The return of Dravid, known for his calm demeanor and strategic acumen, is seen as a potential turning point for the franchise.
The cricketing world is abuzz with the potential impact of Dravid’s return to the IPL. His extensive experience, both as a player and a coach, combined with his previous successful stints in various capacities, makes him an ideal candidate to steer the Royals towards reclaiming their past glory. Dravid’s leadership is expected to instill a renewed sense of purpose and direction within the team, encouraging younger players to step up and deliver under pressure.
In summary, Rahul Dravid’s return to the Rajasthan Royals as head coach is not just a homecoming but a strategic move that could significantly influence the franchise’s future prospects. His seasoned approach, combined with the possibility of merging talents like Vikram Rathour and Kumar Sangakkara, sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in the Royals’ journey in the IPL. As the cricketing fraternity keenly watches, Dravid once again finds himself in a position where his decisions and strategies could shape the future of an ambitious franchise aiming to rise back to the top.
