April 5, 2025: Rising cricket star Yashasvi Jaiswal has expressed his immense gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to work with former Indian cricketer and Rajasthan Royals head coach, Rahul Dravid. In a recent conversation on JioHotstar, Jaiswal spoke fondly of the special bond he shares with Dravid, who has been a pivotal influence on his career, both as a mentor and a coach.
Jaiswal, who joined Rajasthan Royals in 2020 after his impressive performances in the Under-19 World Cup, has grown into a key player for the team. He has developed a formidable opening partnership with the franchise captain, Sanju Samson. Despite not having a standout performance in the ongoing IPL season, Jaiswal remains optimistic about their partnership, emphasizing the camaraderie they share both on and off the field.
“We have known each other for a long time, and I have been with him since I was a kid. I really appreciate our camaraderie—we enjoy spending time together, and it’s always fun playing alongside him. The way he talks, his style—it’s great to be around him. Of course, we are looking forward to this season, and I hope we will enjoy it just as much this year,” said Jaiswal, referring to his relationship with Samson.
In addition to his bond with Samson, Jaiswal is thrilled to once again be working closely with Rahul Dravid, who was the head coach of the Indian national team during Jaiswal’s rise in international cricket. Under Dravid’s mentorship, Jaiswal made his debut for India in both Tests and T20Is, marking a major milestone in his career. Jaiswal admires Dravid not only for his cricketing acumen but also for the grace and composure he brings to his role as a leader.
“He is an amazing leader—supportive, caring, and always looking out for everyone. He instils confidence in players, assuring them that they are in the right space and providing the right guidance, which is crucial for both individual careers and the team as a whole. He is also an incredible human being. Having someone like Rahul Dravid Sir in this era is a privilege, and seeing him up close is an opportunity to learn—not just about cricket, but also about the way he carries himself off the field,” Jaiswal said, reflecting on the privilege of working with Dravid.
Jaiswal is excited about the opportunity to continue learning from Dravid and cherishes the chance to work under his leadership again, especially in the high-pressure environment of the IPL. His respect for Dravid’s leadership and composure shines through as he looks forward to contributing to Rajasthan Royals’ success this season.
As Jaiswal gears up for the rest of the IPL season, his enthusiasm for the opportunity to play under such an iconic figure, along with the strong relationships he shares with his teammates, promises exciting prospects for his future in Indian cricket.