New Delhi

Former India captain Rahul Dravid is set to take on the role of head coach for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the 2025 IPL season. Dravid’s stint as the head coach of the Indian men’s team concluded with their victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.

Dravid has signed a contract with the Royals, marking his return to the franchise where he previously served as a player and mentor. He first joined RR in 2011, leading the team as captain in 2012 and 2013. After retiring as a player, he mentored RR in 2014 and 2015, later moving to the Delhi Capitals before becoming the director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in 2019.

Dravid’s appointment brings him back in close collaboration with RR’s current captain, Sanju Samson, who developed under his guidance. Additionally, RR is expected to hire former India cricketer Vikram Rathour as an assistant coach. Rathour, who was part of Dravid’s coaching team at the NCA and previously served as India’s batting coach, will complement Dravid’s leadership.

Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the de-facto head coach since 2021, will continue with the franchise, overseeing teams in other leagues such as Paarl Royals and Barbados Royals. Under Sangakkara, RR achieved a runners-up position in 2022 and reached the playoffs in 2024.