Rahul Dravid likely to return to Rajasthan Royals as head coach for IPL 2025
Former Team India head coach Rahul Dravid may return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he is linked with a coaching role with the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The former skipper recently wrapped up his responsibilities with the Indian team, culminating with a memorable 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
Dravid has a solid relationship with RR, having previously led the franchise and serving as a mentor too. According to a report by the Times of India, there is uncertainty regarding Kumar Sangakkara's role as director of cricket, which may prompt the franchise to look for new options.
"Talks are going on between RR and Dravid, and an announcement in this regard is round the corner," a reliable source told TOI.
Dravid's stint in the IPL after his playing career came to an abrupt halt as he was chosen to guide the India 'A' and U-19 teams while being the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He eventually went on to take up the Team India head coach role in late 2021 and guided the side to three finals in ICC events.
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, failed to win the title despite having one of the most balanced sides in the competition. Following a brilliant mega auction in 2022, RR were expected to make a mark but ended the three-year cycle with one appearance in the finals and one in the playoffs.
Even in the recent 2024 edition, Rajasthan were cruising in the first half of the season but a string of losses towards the end meant that they missed out on a top-two spot, and were eventually eliminated by the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Qualifier 2 clash.
"I don't want to think too far ahead" - Rahul Dravid on his future after 2024 T20 World Cup
Dravid's stint as Team India head coach was initially slated to end with the 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. However, he signed a short extension to see the team through the 2024 T20 World Cup.
He did not reapply for the post of Team India head coach once his contract ran out and was succeeded by Gautam Gambhir.
“I will be able to move on quickly from this win, next week I will be unemployed (laughs). I don't want to think too far ahead, but yes, I hope, I will be able to move on. I think that's what life is all about,” Dravid said after Team India's T20 World Cup glory (via Livemint).
Before IPL 2025, a mega-auction will be conducted, but there is no clarity yet on the number of retentions and the purse for the franchises.