Rahul Dravid has been officially announced as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals as of Friday, September 6. Dravid, who recently concluded his tenure as head coach of the Indian men’s team, capped off his term with a victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and the USA.
Rahul Dravid’s association with the Royals dates back to his playing days, where he captained the team from 2011 to 2013. He later transitioned to a mentor role for the 2014 season and also served as a mentor for the Delhi Daredevils. After stepping away from IPL roles to focus on coaching India A and U-19 teams, he eventually took over as the head coach of the senior Indian team in 2021.
At the Royals, Dravid will collaborate closely with Kumar Sangakkara, the Director of Cricket, who previously held the coaching role for the past four years. Sangakkara praised Dravid’s coaching achievements, stating,
Rahul is not only one of the greatest players but also an extraordinary coach. His ability to nurture talent and drive consistent high-level performance will be crucial for the Royals as we aim for the title.“
Rahul Dravid Expresses his Excitment on return to the Royals
Dravid expressed his excitement about returning to the franchise, saying, “I’m thrilled to rejoin the Royals, a team I’ve considered home for many years. After the World Cup, I felt it was the right moment to embrace a new challenge, and the Royals are the perfect fit.”
He acknowledged the efforts of Manoj, Jake, Kumar Sangakkara, and the team in advancing the franchise and is eager to elevate the team further. “There’s a lot of talent and resources here, and I’m looking forward to getting started and making key decisions about team retention and the upcoming auction.”
Dravid has already begun his role with the franchise, preparing to make strategic decisions as the BCCI outlines the rules for team retention and the auction.
