Rahul Dravid is set to make a significant return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals for the 2025 season. This move marks a homecoming for Dravid, who previously captained the Royals in 2012 and 2013, and later served as a mentor for the team. His appointment comes after leading India to a historic T20 World Cup victory in 2024.
Dravid, who has been on a short break since India’s triumph in Barbados in June, is expected to dive back into cricket by taking charge of crucial decisions at the Royals, including player retention ahead of the upcoming auction. The negotiations are reportedly in the final stages, and an official announcement is anticipated soon.
Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the Royals’ Director of Cricket since 2021, will continue in his role but is expected to focus more on the franchise’s other teams, such as the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Paarl Royals in the SA20 league.
Dravid’s return to the Royals also means a reunion with Sanju Samson, who will continue as the team’s captain. Samson flourished under Dravid’s mentorship during his earlier stint with the franchise. Additionally, there are reports that Vikram Rathour, India’s former batting coach during Dravid’s tenure, might join the Royals as an assistant coach, adding further strength to the team’s coaching setup.
This move is expected to bring a wealth of experience and tactical acumen to Rajasthan Royals, potentially setting them up for a strong campaign in IPL 2025.
