Rahul Dravid Set to Lead Rajasthan Royals as Head Coach for IPL 2025

Rahul Dravid, architect of India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory, will become Rajasthan Royals' head coach for IPL 2025. Currently on a short career break, Dravid will focus on key issues such as player retention. He has a long history with Royals as a former player and mentor.

Rahul Dravid, the mastermind behind India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, is poised to take on the role of head coach for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 season.

Currently, Dravid is on a brief career break following India's victory in Barbados in June. He is expected to begin his new role soon, focusing on crucial matters like player retention ahead of the year-end auction.

"The talks have reached the final stages, and he will soon step into the head coach job," according to a source familiar with the negotiations.

Kumar Sangakkara, who has been Royals' Director of Cricket since 2021, will continue in his role, likely focusing more on Barbados Royals (CPL) and Paarl Royals (SA20).

Dravid has a long-standing history with the Royals; he served as their captain for two seasons in 2012 and 2013 and as a mentor for another two years. He later joined Delhi Capitals in a similar role before moving to head India's National Cricket Academy, and eventually becoming India's head coach in 2021.

At the Royals, Dravid will reunite with Sanju Samson, who is set to be retained as captain for another season. Additionally, ESPNCricinfo has reported that Vikram Rathour, India's former batting coach under Dravid, might join the franchise as an assistant coach.

(With inputs from agencies.)