Despite having an ICC T20I World Cup-winning head coach, Rahul Dravid, on the bench, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are out of the IPL 2025 play-off race, which has baffled cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. 

The inaugural champion had a golden opportunity to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) last night, as they had to score only 18 in the remaining two overs, with five wickets in hand. Royals' batters showed very little intent to win the match, lost a couple of wickets, and got only 1 run in the 20th over, bowled by Josh Hazelwood. 

The RCB pacer, with all his experiences, bowled exactly what his team was looking for from him. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, at the home ground, batting first, scored 205 in the 20-over limit. RR, in return, was restricted to 194 for 9 wickets. From 189 runs to 191 runs, Rajasthan Royals lost their 4 wickets. Batters like Dhruv Jurel and Shubham Dubey were unable to cool their nerves, which resulted in wickets. 

Read More: IPL 2025: KKR vs PBKS Match 44- Who will be Impact Players for today's match?

When a person like Rahul Dravid, who is known for his cool, collective, and methodical personality, was on the bench, why did his Royals' students perform in that manner under pressure? Sunil Gavaskar raised the question. 

Gavaskar have some valid points 

"With Rajasthan Royals, I’m actually talking about the earlier matches where I wasn’t at the ground; I just saw them. So, you're not always able to get the feeling of what’s really happening. But here, I was on the ground, and you could actually see the kind of cricket that was being played. And with someone like Rahul Dravid as the coach, it was quite baffling; it was unthinking cricket," Gavaskar said.

"Where is the thought process there? You can’t expect inexperienced players to always get it right, but still... It’s just a different kind of cricket. Dravid was always so precise in his thinking, and I would’ve thought that kind of approach would’ve seeped into some of the Rajasthan batters."

Before the Rajasthan Royals’ important match against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, head coach Rahul Dravid spoke to the media to clear up rumours about a fight between him and captain Sanju Samson. The rumours started after a video showed Sanju not joining a team huddle during a recent match. Some people believed this meant something was wrong between the coach and the captain.

However, Dravid strongly denied these reports. “I don’t know where these stories are coming from. Sanju and I are on the same page. He is a very important part of the team, and we have a good bond,” Dravid said in the press conference. He also mentioned that Sanju is involved in every decision and discussion. Dravid said sometimes when a team loses, people start making up stories, but there is no truth to them.

Watch the Video:

Rahul Dravid talking about the rumours of rift between him & Sanju Samson.

- He said "Me & Sanju are really on the same page, Sanju is integrals part of all decision making & I have good rappo with him". pic.twitter.com/XA61kokg64

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 19, 2025

ALSO SEE: Not just a bowler: Amir turns finisher in dramatic cameo

Dravid Says Team Spirit Is Strong, Samson Still Part of Plans

Dravid also talked about how hard the players are working and how much they care about their performance. He said that even though criticism is normal in cricket, false stories hurt the team. “When things go wrong, we accept the criticism for our performance, but not for things that aren’t true,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson’s injury is also a concern. He had to leave the field during the last game against Delhi Capitals after feeling pain in his side. He had scored 31 runs before retiring hurt. The medical team sent him for scans, and the team is waiting for the results to decide if he can play the next match. Dravid said, "Sanju experienced some discomfort in his abdominal region. He has got the scans done, and once we are aware of more, we will take the correct decision."

Apart from all the gossip and the scare of the injury, Rajasthan Royals are keeping their eyes set on the next match. Dravid's statement indicates that the team is one that is together and determined to perform at their best. They are hoping to continue their good season and strive for a spot in the playoffs.

Ahead of the scheduled IPL 2025 match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), there was a special encounter when KL Rahul connected with his former cricket player and current Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid. The teams showed mutual respect and camaraderie by enabling an emotional reunion, which occurred before the matches started during the pre-match warm-up.

As Rahul Dravid sat in a wheelchair due to his leg injury, he appeared in good spirits while exchanging greetings with KL Rahul. Through their brief conversation, Dravid delivered smiles and pleasant remarks to Delhi Capitals captain KL Rahul while displaying the strong connection shared by two cricket legends.

The meeting stood out because Dravid showed up with an obvious injury that has not prevented him from playing an active leadership role with his team members. Players of both teams witnessed him using leg braces as he communicated with them while focusing on the sports spirit above competitive efforts. Social media users gave their immediate approval to this sportsmanlike exchange, which they described as "classy and respectful sportsmanship."

RAHUL MEETS RAHUL. 💥

- KL Rahul meeting Rahul Dravid. ❤️pic.twitter.com/4U4Gy3H0vo

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 15, 2025

Also read: 'Udta hua gaya Punjab' - Fans react as Punjab Kings bundled out for 111 against KKR in IPL 2025

A Mentor’s Legacy Lives On

Through his roles as National Cricket Academy leader and then India's head coach, Rahul Dravid continued to guide numerous cricketers in their development. KL Rahul has revealed multiple times that Dravid has been instrumental in shaping his development as a cricketer. The field interaction between these former teammates on Monday displayed the lasting mentor-protégé bond that exists beyond their present team comparisons.

 The DC vs. RR match starts with great momentum because this off-field handshake already gained widespread approval for showing genuine sportsmanship in IPL 2025.

Former Indian team and current Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Rahul Dravid revealed that when he was the coach for Indian team he didn't like the concept of impact rule at all. Dravid has his say on this rule, stating the rule has its pros and cons, I agree that the Impact Player rule has contributed to making IPL even more competitive but the impact on the all-rounders can turn out to be problematic. It has certainly added a different dynamic which he shared with Sportstar.

 Frankly speaking, I was not a very big fan of the impact rule when I was coaching the Indian team, agree it makes the game quite competitive and interesting which keeps the game alive from every perspective, but with the national team, I won't agree with that because it poised some challenges. It will hit the dynamics of the game.

Read More: Watch: It’s like Dhoni with a sword – Rayudu’s comment triggers vintage Sidhu counter

You have seen that there has been a drastic rise in scoring rates due to a specialist batter coming in, which means you are still in the game. You have batters till no 8 position. This allows batters to play freely and aggressively despite losing wickets. And by this, no team is out of the contest. For me, it has me negative impact on all-rounders' perspectives, earlier you generally relied on your all-rounders to do the job for you but after this rule, their effectiveness became shorter. 

Poor Take On the Last Game

 But if you ask me what's best for the game are all-rounders, a team should develop a good all-around setup, it's about the opportunities you provide them which give the balance of players, playing the game. That's why this rule is good for leagues but getting it into the national side is a bit risky and it will benefit only certain players. 

Coming to yesterday's game RR had to face their their third loss in Ahmedabad, where batting first GT scored a total of 217 runs with the contribution of Sai Sudharshan's 82 runs. But in reply RR were all out for 159 runs, losing their third game in the league and were slipped to 7th position. 

Rahul Dravid does not make grand public statements, but when he does, they are significant. His latest comments on Riyan Parag have surely raised eyebrows. Describing Parag as one of the best batters in the lineup, Dravid showed that the team would like him to play as many balls as possible. For him, the more Parag spends in the middle, the better it is for the team.

This is not a fleeting compliment. It is a sign of intent. Dravid is a man who respects process and consistency, so his words are a reflection of the increasing faith in Parag's ability and potential. The team is no longer viewing him as a lower-order finisher. They are willing to give him a more pivotal role, probably higher up the order, where he can impact the game for longer.

For Parag, this is the defining moment of his career. He has shown talent in both domestic cricket and the IPL. There have been some innings when he has batted with a maturity that defies his age, but the consistency has been missing. With Dravid openly supporting him, he now has the stage and the dressing room confidence to put it together.

ALSO SEE: IPL Players Wishing Fans a Happy Ugadi 2025

This is also indicative of a larger change in the way India is going about T20 cricket. The focus is clearly on scouting impact players early, providing them with surety of their roles, and allowing them to play their game without the fear of making errors. Parag is that kind of a player, exactly. He is aggressive and innovative and feeds on pressure.

If he can convert this backing into performances, Riyan Parag might not just be a promising talent anymore. He could be a regular name on the Indian team sheet in the shortest form of the game. And with someone like Dravid having faith in him, the journey has a solid foundation.

Now it's all about Parag taking that step forward.

Former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid has been emphasised for his brilliant cricketing skills and calm mannerism. After retirement, the World Cup-winning coach is spending his quality time in his hometown where an unexpected thing happened that really caused his anger to peak. 
Read More: Why White Jacket has been won by Champions Trophy Winners? 
There is a video circulating around social media where Rahul Dravid having an argument with an auto driver on the busy streets of Bengaluru. The video was taken and uploaded on social media, the incident happened on the evening of February 4.
What Causes the issue
It has been stated that the incident shown in the video is around somewhere Cunningham Road which is close to Chinnaswamy Stadium.  It seemed like a mere collision between an auto and his car. Where at first few moments Dravid maintained his calmness and tried to explain the issue, but suddenly he was out of his control. The video shared doesn't have a clear audio voice on what both are speaking about. 

Video credits: @TOIBengaluru pic.twitter.com/jJ5qnqUNxC

— चिरकुट ज़िंदगी (@Chirayu_Jain26) February 4, 2025

But there was a sudden change of reaction in Dravid's face who was trying to maintain his calmness. Later a passerby who witnessed the incident told Dravid was trying to explain to him that the mere accident was not his fault, because he didn't get time to apply his brakes so he had to apply his handbrakes. 
Read More: Will England Give A Fightback Or India Go On To Seal The Series At Rajkot
Later the auto driver accepted his mistake and that it was his fault for the collision, actually, the auto driver applied a sudden brake which was fully loaded with goods, and Dravid had no time to react but he applied his hand brakes which dented to the minor collision. His take was that Dravid would have done better to avoid it. None of them got hurt during this and no FIR complaints were lodged. 
Dravid Recent Assignment
Dravid's next assignment is with Rajasthan Besides he has coached the T20 Indian winning team in West Indies. Dravid will join the Rajasthan Royals camp soon, within the time being he is spending his quality time with family. 
 Based on this incident we have seen Dravid's angry versions on the cricket field too. Where he scored a century in tests with his angry perception. Though we don't see much of it. 

In a very unusual turn of events, former Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid was spotted having a heated argument with an auto-rickshaw driver who rammed into his car on a busy Cunningham road on Tuesday evening. The bypassers who filmed the video showed a visibly frustrated Rahul Dravid blasting the auto driver in Kannada language. 

It is believed that Dravid’a car suffered a minor collision with a goods auto which in turn resulted in the ugly friction between the two. However, it remains unclear whether Dravid was himself driving the car. 

See also: India's Updated Squad for ODI Series Against England: No Jasprit Bumrah

Here is how the argument ensued

According to sources, Dravid was traveling from Indian Express Junction towards High Grounds when the incident occurred. Upon impact, Dravid came out of his car and started arguing ferociously with the auto driver. His calm demeanour as portrayed in the crex ad was nowhere to be seen.  

Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid's car & a commercial goods vehicle were involved in a minor accident on Cunningham road in #Bengaluru. And unlike the #cred ad, #RahulDravid & the goods vehicle driver engaged in a civilized argument & left the place later. No complaint so far pic.twitter.com/HJHQx5er3P

— Harish Upadhya (@harishupadhya) February 4, 2025

Before exiting the scene, Dravid took the auto driver’s number. Besides, conversations about brakes were also heard during the time of the argument. More details are yet to surface in times to come. 

Everyone is safe and sound

Thankfully, the collision between the two vehicles did not result in any casualties. No physical damage has been reported to either of the two parties. As of now, no official complaint has been filed by Dravid against the auto driver. Further details about the incident are expected to emerge further as time progresses.  

As Gautam Gambhir steps into his new role as Team India’s head coach, he received a heartfelt surprise message from his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video in which Dravid conveyed his best wishes, sharing valuable insights and experiences from his own tenure as head coach. Dravid’s message was filled with warmth and encouragement, welcoming Gambhir to what he described as the “most exciting job in the world.”

Dravid reflects on Gambhir’s coaching journey

In his message, Dravid praised Gambhir’s achievements and dedication, reflecting on his time as a coach and mentor for various Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. He expressed confidence in Gambhir’s ability to lead the national team, noting his strategic acumen and passion for the game. Dravid’s insights were not only about the technical aspects of coaching but also touched on the importance of fostering a positive team environment and the need for emotional resilience.

“From one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing. In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back, and even if it’s difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people. I wish you the very best, Gautam, and I’m sure you will take the Indian team to even greater heights,” Dravid concluded.

Gambhir’s emotional response

Overwhelmed by Dravid’s thoughtful gesture, Gautam Gambhir admitted that the message made him emotional. Dravid’s words of wisdom and encouragement struck a chord with Gambhir, reminding him of the legacy he is set to inherit. In his message, Dravid humorously urged Gambhir to remember to smile, even during challenging times, a reminder of the camaraderie they shared during their playing days. Gambhir’s response highlighted his respect for Dravid and his determination to carry forward the successful path paved by his predecessor.

“Not me, not individuals, but what Indian cricket is. I feel, I think, I don’t get too much emotional normally, but I think this message actually made me a lot emotional, which normally I assume, but it’s a great message. Hopefully, I can… It’s a massive shoes to fill. Hopefully, I can do it with absolute honesty, transparency, and hopefully, I can make the entire nation, and more importantly, the person who I’ve always looked up to, Rahul Bhai Proud,” he said.

See Also: Binura Fernando hospitalized with chest infection ahead of 1st T20I against India – Cricket Winner

The exchange between Dravid and Gambhir reflects not only the transition of leadership within the Indian cricket team but also the deep bonds and mutual respect that exist among former teammates. As Gambhir embarks on this new chapter, the legacy and support of his predecessors will undoubtedly guide him in leading Team India to new heights.

During the T20 World Cup 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Virat Kohli how his family felt when he was struggling to score runs in the USA and the West Indies. PM Modi mentioned that the support from those around him was crucial for his match winning performance in the final against South Africa.

PM Modi was candid and engaging as he spoke with the T20 World Cup winning Indian team during a breakfast he hosted in New Delhi on Thursday. He made jokes and detailed observations about India’s campaign in the USA and the West Indies, showing his knowledge of the game and praising Rohit Sharma’s team for their victory.

PM Modi spoke with each player during the breakfast. When he talked to Virat Kohli, he asked about his inconsistent form during the T20 World Cup and pointed out that Kohli scored more runs in the final than in the previous seven matches combined.

“Virat, tell me, the battle this time was full of ups and downs,” PM Modi said.

Virat Kohli reflected on his challenging journey during the T20 World Cup, admitting he felt he wasn’t performing to his potential. He credited the support from the team, especially coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma, for helping him deliver the match-winning performance in the final.

“Thank you for inviting us here. I will always remember this day. I couldn’t contribute as much as I wanted. I told Rahul Dravid that I felt I wasn’t doing justice to myself or the team. He reassured me that he believed I would deliver when it mattered,” Kohli said.

Kohli’s initial doubts transformed into confidence

“I also told Rohit Sharma, when we walked out to bat in the final, that I wasn’t confident. But after the first delivery, I told him, ‘What is this game? One day, you feel like you can’t score a run, and the next, everything clicks.’

“When wickets started falling, I wanted to give my all to the team. I was focused and in the zone. I realized that whatever is meant to happen will happen. This victory was destined for us.

“Even towards the end, when the game became tense, we lived every ball. At one point, hope was fading. But when Hardik Pandya took a wicket, everything changed, and we fought back with every delivery,” he added.

“Everyone feels it. You had scored 75 runs in total before the final, and 76 in the final. There’s a reward in having everyone’s support. It becomes a driving force,” PM Modi said, keeping the conversation light. He also asked Virat Kohli how his family reacted when he was struggling to score runs before the big final.

Recent defeats in ICC finals will have no bearing on how India perform in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, according to head coach Rahul Dravid. India have stumbled at the last hurdle in their two most recent appearances in ICC finals, having tasted defeat to Australia in both last year’s ICC World Test Championship final in London and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad.

“I’m sure they will not be thinking about history and it will be a fresh day…”

Dravid, however, believes this will have no impact on the fortunes of India in the one-off contest against South Africa in Barbados on Saturday. The Asian side is attempting to claim their second T20 World Cup title after their success in the inaugural tournament back in 2007.

“I don’t think players go in keeping the baggage of the past and what has happened in the past, so every day is a fresh day,” Dravid said.

“Players are very good at moving on from things, of recognising things. So yes, I think just as we will move on from Ahmedabad, I’m sure they will not be thinking about history and it will be a fresh day.

“Two good teams, two teams I think that everyone will agree that probably the top two teams in this tournament played the best cricket I think in this tournament, both South Africa and India.

“So, deserving finals for both the teams and hopefully it’s a great game of cricket and hopefully we fall on the right side.”

India’s unbeaten run and focus on performance

India enter the T20 World Cup decider unbeaten in the tournament. The only game they failed to win was against Canada in Florida, where inclement weather conditions forced the clash to be abandoned. Three victories at the tournament preceded the Canada match, and four wins have come after. Despite this impressive record, Dravid believes India has yet to produce a faultless performance at the event.

“I think you’re always looking to improve. And I don’t think you can ever have a perfect game,” Dravid added.

“Certainly, we have not had a perfect, perfect game in any game and I don’t think any team really does.

“So, look, I mean, I think in one day it’s not that, you’re going to suddenly start changing things too much. So, for us really, I think now getting into this final, it’s just about staying relaxed, about trusting the good cricket that we’ve played about recognising I think that we found ourselves in pressure situations right through this tournament but we’ve always found players and people to come up and deliver the goods.

“Also just recognising that we’ve got a really good balance in the team, we’ve got the players and just for us to, like I answered earlier, maybe just come there really well prepared, do all the things that we can do, control all the controllables, do everything that we need to do and then just go out and play hopefully a great game of cricket.”

While hopeful that a perfect game will come against South Africa, Dravid is a realist. He is focused on helping the players stay relaxed and produce close to their best in the clash. Dravid’s emphasis is on maintaining composure and performing consistently rather than dwelling on past disappointments.

See Also: “My best memories are…”, Rahul Dravid shares thoughts before his last day as team India coach ahead of T20 WC Final 2024 – Cricket Winner

India’s campaign in the tournament has been strong, and the team is determined to overcome the final hurdle this time. Dravid’s confidence and pragmatic approach aim to guide India to their second T20 World Cup triumph, irrespective of their previous ICC final setbacks.