Rahul Dravid Returns as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach

Rahul Dravid has officially been named head coach of Rajasthan Royals, the franchise announced on Friday (September 6). Dravid recently completed his tenure as the head coach of India’s senior men’s team, signing off in style by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Dravid’s connection with Rajasthan Royals…


Rahul Dravid Returns as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach

Rahul Dravid has officially been named head coach of Rajasthan Royals, the franchise announced on Friday (September 6). Dravid recently completed his tenure as the head coach of India’s senior men’s team, signing off in style by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.

Dravid’s connection with Rajasthan Royals runs deep, having previously played and captained the team between 2011 and 2013 before transitioning into a mentor role for the 2014 season. He also served as a mentor for the Delhi Daredevils, but stepped away from his IPL commitments when he took on coaching responsibilities for India A and the U-19 teams—a journey that ultimately led to his role with the senior Indian team in 2021.


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At Rajasthan Royals, Dravid will be working closely with Kumar Sangakkara, the team’s Director of Cricket, who has been coaching the franchise for the last four years. Sangakkara welcomed Dravid’s return with high praise, stating,

Rahul is one of the greatest players to ever grace the game, and his coaching accomplishments in the past decade have been equally remarkable. His ability to nurture talent while driving consistent high-level performances will be invaluable as we continue to push for the title.

Sangakkara added,

We’ve already had insightful discussions about his vision for the team, and Rahul is eager to bring results for the Royals.

Reflecting on his return to the Royals, Dravid expressed excitement about the new challenge.

It feels great to come back to a franchise that I’ve always considered home. After the World Cup victory, this felt like the perfect moment to embrace a fresh challenge, and Rajasthan Royals offers the ideal environment to do that,

Dravid said.

He continued,

The progress made by the team under Manoj, Jake, Kumar, and the entire management over the past few years has been commendable. With the resources and talent at our disposal, I believe we can take this team to the next level. I’m eager to get started.

Dravid has already started his work with the franchise and will soon turn his attention to key decisions around player retention, pending the BCCI’s rules. He’ll then focus on assembling a squad that aligns with his vision ahead of the next IPL auction.