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Rahul Dravid, a renowned figure in Indian cricket, is set to make a return to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as their head coach for the upcoming 2025 IPL season. This news comes after his successful tenure as the head coach of the Indian men's team, which culminated in their triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup in June. According to ESPNcricinfo, Dravid has already inked a deal with the franchise and has initiated discussions regarding player retentions ahead of the upcoming mega auction.
Dravid's relationship with the Rajasthan Royals extends back several years. He served as the captain of the team in the 2012 and 2013 IPL seasons, demonstrating his leadership abilities on the field. Subsequently, he took on the roles of team director and mentor during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, providing strategic guidance and mentorship to the team. This deep-rooted connection with the franchise underscores his familiarity with the RR environment and its players, potentially contributing to a seamless transition into his new role.
Furthermore, Dravid's long-standing working relationship with RR captain Sanju Samson adds another layer of familiarity and trust to the equation. Samson, a promising young talent, rose through the ranks of Indian cricket under Dravid's watchful eye during his time with the under-19 team. This shared history of nurturing and development could prove valuable in fostering a strong player-coach dynamic within the Rajasthan Royals squad.
While Dravid assumes the mantle of head coach, the Rajasthan Royals are also expected to bring on board former India batsman Vikram Rathour as one of his assistant coaches. Rathour, who previously served as a selector for the Indian team, has a background as part of Dravid's coaching staff at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). His experience and expertise in batting coaching, acquired during his tenure as India's batting coach from 2019, could contribute significantly to the development of RR's batting lineup.
It's noteworthy that Kumar Sangakkara, who has served as the Rajasthan Royals' director of cricket since 2021, will continue his involvement with the franchise. However, his responsibilities will extend to their teams in other leagues, including the Paarl Royals in the SA20 and the Barbados Royals in the CPL. This division of duties allows Sangakkara to maintain a broader oversight role across the Royals' global cricketing endeavors.
Rahul Dravid's return to the Rajasthan Royals signals a new chapter for the franchise. His proven coaching abilities, coupled with his history and connections within the team, suggest a potentially successful partnership. As Dravid takes charge, he will be aiming to guide the Rajasthan Royals to new heights in the IPL, leveraging his experience and strategic acumen to lead the team towards a championship title.