Former Indian skipper and head coach Rahul Dravid is set to return to the Rajasthan Royals as head coach for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Dravid recently concluded his successful tenure with the Indian national team, culminating in a T20 World Cup victory over South Africa in June.
Dravid has a rich history with the Royals, having played for the franchise from 2011 to 2013, where he appeared in 46 matches and scored 1,276 runs at an average of 29.67, including seven fifties. His leadership experience includes captaining the Royals in the IPL seasons of 2012 and 2013, as well as serving as the team director from 2014 to 2015.
His relationship with the current team captain, Sanju Samson, adds a layer of continuity to the franchise, as Samson rose through the ranks under Dravid’s guidance in the under-19 circuit. It is also reported that former batting coach Vikram Rathour may join Dravid’s coaching staff, given their past collaborations.
Dravid’s appointment comes as the Rajasthan Royals aim to reclaim the IPL title, which they last won in the inaugural season of 2008. Following a fifth-place finish in the previous season, the Royals reached the playoffs in 2024 but were eliminated in Qualifier Two. Meanwhile, Kumar Sangakkara, the current director of cricket, is expected to remain with the franchise in a different capacity, likely overseeing their sister teams in the SA20 and Caribbean Premier League.
Dravid’s return to the Royals is seen as a strategic move to harness his expertise and experience, which could help the team improve its performance and achieve greater success in the IPL.
