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

Former Indian skipper and current head coach Rahul Dravid will return to the Rajasthan Royals for the 2025 IPL season. Dravid, who recently secured the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy with Team India, has previously been associated with the franchise as both player and team director.

Former Indian skipper and current head coach Rahul Dravid is making a return to the Rajasthan Royals as the head coach for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, as reported by ESPNCricinfo on Wednesday. Dravid recently concluded his stint with Team India on a high note, winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating South Africa in a thrilling final.

According to sources from ESPNCricinfo, Dravid has agreed to a deal with the Rajasthan Royals, a franchise he was associated with both as a player and a team director. Dravid played 46 matches for the Royals from the 2011-13 seasons, amassing 1,276 runs at an average of 29.67. He also has a longstanding relationship with team skipper Sanju Samson, having mentored him during his under-19 cricket days and playing alongside him in the franchise.

The franchise is also expected to bring in India's former batting coach Vikram Rathour as one of the assistant coaches. Rathour has worked closely with Dravid during his tenure with Team India and at the National Cricket Academy. While Dravid will take over from Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the director of cricket since 2021, the Sri Lankan legend will continue to stay involved and oversee the sister teams in SA20 and the Caribbean Premier League. Rajasthan Royals, last IPL champions in 2008, hope Dravid's return will help them clinch their second title.

(With inputs from agencies.)