In a significant development for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, former Indian captain and renowned coach Rahul Dravid has been appointed as the head coach of the franchise. This announcement marks Dravid’s return to the Royals, where he previously served as captain and mentor, and comes at a time when the team is looking to revitalize its performance in the league.
Dravid’s return to familiar grounds
Dravid’s journey with the Rajasthan franchise began in 2012 when he captained the team for two seasons. His leadership and cricketing acumen were instrumental in shaping the franchise during its formative years. After a brief hiatus, he took on the role of team director and mentor in 2014 and 2015, contributing to the development of young talents and the overall strategy of the team.
Dravid’s coaching career took off when he became the head coach of the Indian men’s team in 2021, where he was lauded for his approach to nurturing players and enhancing their skills. His return to the Royals as head coach is seen as a strategic move to leverage his extensive experience and insight into the game, particularly in the T20 format.
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The Royals’ recent IPL performances
The Royals have had a mixed bag of performances in recent IPL seasons, often struggling to maintain consistency. The franchise has made several changes to its coaching staff and player roster in an attempt to reclaim the glory days when they won the inaugural IPL title in 2008. They, however, reached the playoffs four times since then and finished as runner-ups in the 2022 edition.
Dravid’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.