NEW DELHI: Rahul Dravid, the architect of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory, is poised to assume the position of head coach for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025. Following a brief hiatus after India’s triumph in Barbados in June, Dravid will soon collaborate with the franchise on crucial matters, including player retention, in preparation for the upcoming auction later this year.
“The talks have reached the final stages and he will soon step into the head coach job,” a source close to the development told PTI.
Kumar Sangakkara, who has served as Royals’ Director of Cricket since 2021, will maintain his role and is expected to have a more hands-on approach with Barbados Royals (CPL) and Paarl Royals (SA20).
Dravid shares a long-standing connection with Royals, having captained the team for two seasons in 2012 and 2013 before transitioning to a mentor role for an additional two years.
Subsequently, Dravid joined Delhi Capitals in a similar capacity in 2016 and remained with the team until he took on the responsibility of heading the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
In 2021, he transitioned from NCA to succeed Ravi Shastri as India’s head coach.
Upon his return to Royals, Dravid will reunite with Sanju Samson, who is set to be retained as RR captain for another season. Samson initially flourished under the guidance of the 52-year-old.
In related news, ESPNCricinfo reported that Vikram Rathour, who served as India’s batting coach during Dravid’s tenure, might be recruited by the franchise as its assistant coach.
“The talks have reached the final stages and he will soon step into the head coach job,” a source close to the development told PTI.
Kumar Sangakkara, who has served as Royals’ Director of Cricket since 2021, will maintain his role and is expected to have a more hands-on approach with Barbados Royals (CPL) and Paarl Royals (SA20).
Dravid shares a long-standing connection with Royals, having captained the team for two seasons in 2012 and 2013 before transitioning to a mentor role for an additional two years.
Subsequently, Dravid joined Delhi Capitals in a similar capacity in 2016 and remained with the team until he took on the responsibility of heading the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
In 2021, he transitioned from NCA to succeed Ravi Shastri as India’s head coach.
Upon his return to Royals, Dravid will reunite with Sanju Samson, who is set to be retained as RR captain for another season. Samson initially flourished under the guidance of the 52-year-old.
In related news, ESPNCricinfo reported that Vikram Rathour, who served as India’s batting coach during Dravid’s tenure, might be recruited by the franchise as its assistant coach.