Rahul Dravid Returns to IPL as Rajasthan Royals’ Head Coach

Rahul Dravid, Former Head Coach of Team India, to Join Rajasthan Royals as Head Coach

Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of Team India, is set to return to the IPL as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals. According to a team official, negotiations with Dravid are in the final stages, and he is expected to take on the role soon. Dravid will begin working with the team on key issues such as player retention ahead of the auction later this year.

Although an official statement from the franchise is still pending, it is also rumored that Vikram Rathour, a former member of Dravid’s coaching staff with Team India, may join the Royals. Rathour served as the batting coach for the Indian team. Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the Director of Cricket for the Royals since 2021, will continue in his current role.

Dravid Led India to World Championship Victory in 2023

Dravid was the head coach of the Indian team during the T20 World Cup in June 2023, where India emerged as world champions. Despite the team’s success, Dravid did not extend his tenure. Prior to his stint with Team India, Dravid had held several key roles with the Rajasthan Royals, including captain in the 2012 and 2013 IPL seasons, and later as team director and mentor in 2014 and 2015.

Dravid’s Coaching Tenure with Team India

Dravid was appointed as the head coach of Team India in November 2021 after the team was eliminated from the group stage of the T20 World Cup. Under his leadership, India reached the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Although his tenure was set to end after the 2023 ODI World Cup, it was extended until the T20 World Cup, where India won the championship by defeating South Africa by 7 runs on June 29. Dravid also led the team to victory in the 2023 Asia Cup, where India defeated Sri Lanka to claim the title.