Rahul Dravid likely to be Rajasthan Royals' new head coach: Reports

Former Indian T20 World Cup-winning head coach Rahul Dravid is likely to return to the Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2025. According to some media reports, Dravid is likely to replace Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara for the Rajasthan Royals head coach role. 

After winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Rahul Dravid ended his coaching tenure for Team India. Currently, the former Indian captain isn’t associated with any team.

Meanwhile, former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara has been guiding the Rajasthan Royals since 2021. At present, Sangakkara is the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals team. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reportedly wants Sangakkara as the head coach of the English team. 

Recently, after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Matthew Mott left the head coach role of the English white-ball team. 

The Rajasthan Royals experience has been very fulfilling: Kumar Sangakkara

Although Sangakkara has denied getting any approach from the ECB, he likes to coach England's white-ball team. However, the Sri Lankan legend also confirmed his happiness with his present role for the Rajasthan Royals. 

Sangakkara recently told English media, “Well, I know my name has been mentioned for some reason, but there has not been any approach as such. I think the England white-ball job is an exciting prospect for anyone, but there are so many good candidates out there. I am very happy at the moment. The Rajasthan Royals experience has been very fulfilling, and it has been a job I have really enjoyed over the last four years.”

Rahul Dravid at Rajasthan Royals

Former Rajasthan Royals captain Rahul Dravid was previously a mentor for the Rajasthan Royals before becoming the head coach of India U19 and India A. As Dravid is presently free from any role, the Royals are looking to grab this opportunity. 

Between 2011 and 2013, Dravid played for the Rajasthan Royals, including leading the team in his last two seasons. In 52 games for the Royals, Dravid scored 1324 runs with an average of 27.02, including seven half-centuries. He led the Royals in 40 games, where his team won 23 and lost 17. 

Under Dravid’s captaincy, the Rajasthan Royals finished in third place at the IPL 2013 and as runners-up at the Champions League T20 2013.