In a highly anticipated move, Rahul Dravid has been officially confirmed as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals on September 6. This announcement marks Dravid’s return to the franchise after a successful stint as the head coach of the Indian national team, where he recently led the squad to victory in the T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and the USA.
The Rajasthan Royals made the announcement via their official X handle (formerly Twitter), celebrating Dravid’s return with a post that highlighted his legacy as a “legendary World Cup-winning coach.” The post featured Dravid receiving his iconic Pink jersey from Royals Sports Group CEO Jake Lush McCrum, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise.
Dravid’s Impressive Track Record
Dravid’s coaching journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After leading India to its first ICC title in over a decade with the T20 World Cup win, he is now set to take on the challenge of revitalizing the Rajasthan Royals. This will be Dravid’s first professional assignment since concluding his three-year tenure with the Indian team in July.
Dravid previously captained the Royals during the IPL seasons of 2012 and 2013 and served as their mentor and Director of Cricket in 2014 and 2015. His extensive experience includes a successful tenure with the Delhi Capitals and a significant role at the National Cricket Academy, where he cultivated young talent for the future of Indian cricket.
“I am pleased to be returning to the franchise I have called ‘home’ for a number of years in the past,” Dravid stated. “After the World Cup, I feel it’s the ideal time for me to take on another challenge, and the Royals is the perfect place to do that.”
Aiming for IPL Glory
The Rajasthan Royals have not claimed the IPL title since their inaugural season in 2008, and they are eager for a revival under Dravid’s leadership. The franchise has shown promise in recent years, qualifying for the playoffs twice in the last three seasons. However, they fell short in 2023, finishing fifth in the league despite a strong start.
Musheer Khan Surpasses Sachin Tendulkar’s Records In Duleep Trophy
Dravid’s return is expected to bring a fresh perspective and strategic insight to the team as they prepare for the upcoming IPL season. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to work with the talented roster at his disposal. “A lot of hard work and deliberation has gone into the progression that the franchise has made over the past few years. It’s an exciting opportunity for us to take this team to the next level,” he added.
Future Collaborations and Expectations
As Dravid steps into his new role, he is likely to collaborate with former India batting coach Vikram Rathour, who may join the Royals as an assistant coach. This partnership could prove beneficial as they work together to enhance the team’s performance.
Kumar Sangakkara, who has served as the Royals’ Director of Cricket since 2021, will continue with the franchise, focusing on their operations in various leagues, including the Paarl Royals in the SA20 and the Barbados Royals in the CPL.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
