Not RCB or KKR, Rahul Dravid Takes Up Head Coach Role With This IPL Franchise: Report

Rahul Dravid has reportedly signed a deal with Rajasthan Royals, agreed to become their head coach ahead of IPL 2025 season.

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has taken up a new challenge while also making his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), signing up as head coach of Rajasthan Roayls. Dravid, who left the India head coach job after guiding the team to the T20 World Cup 2024 success, made himself available for IPL assignments. Dravid didn't want to take up a full-time assignment that demands his commitment for 8-10 months a year but was keen to return to IPL and take up a job that only needs him to be present for 2-3 months in a year.

Alongside Dravid, former Team India assistant coach Vikram Rathour has also taken up the role of Assistant Coach at Rajasthan Royals. The duo's arrival, however, doesn't impact the role that Kumar Sangakkara was holding at the franchise. The Sri Lanka great continues to remain the Director of Cricket Operations at the franchise. 

As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, a contract with has already been signed between Dravid and Rajasthan Royals, well in time before the squad planning for the mega auction begins. 

Dravid also has an excellent relationship with RR captain Sanju Samson, who came through the under-19 ranks while the former India captain was coaching the junior side.

Dravid also represented the Royals as player. He was the captain of the franchise in 2012 and 2013, and served as the team director and mentor in the 2014 and 2015 seasons.