Rahul Dravid Likely to Rejoin Rajasthan Royals as Head Coach in 2025 IPL
The Times of India has reported that Rahul Dravid is likely to rejoin the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as Head Coach for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). Dravid has a rich history with the team, having captained them and leading them to the Champions League T20 final and IPL playoffs in 2013. He also served as a mentor in 2014 and 2015, helping the team secure a third-place finish in the IPL.
Extensive Involvement with BCCI
Dravid has been deeply involved with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since 2015. He served as the Head Coach of the India U-19 and India ‘A’ teams and was the chairman of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). In October 2021, he became the Head Coach of the senior men’s team.
Potential Changes in RR Coaching Staff
It remains uncertain whether the Royals will retain Kumar Sangakkara, who has been overseeing RR’s cricket operations since 2021. According to the publication, talks between RR and Dravid are ongoing, and an announcement is expected soon. The source cited by TOI indicated that an agreement could be imminent.
Speculations and Reactions
This news emerges amid speculations about Rahul Dravid possibly joining Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to replace Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir, who succeeded Dravid as India’s Head Coach, led Team India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Social media was abuzz with discussions about Dravid joining KKR, with users humorously suggesting an “exchange offer” between KKR and BCCI, where Dravid and Gambhir would swap roles. Both had a remarkable 2024, with Dravid securing the T20 World Cup for India and Gambhir leading KKR to an IPL victory after a decade.
Dravid’s Personal Preferences
Reports indicate that Dravid chose not to extend his tenure as India’s Head Coach to spend more quality time with his family. His possible return to RR as Head Coach marks another chapter in his illustrious cricketing career.(online casino)