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.

A heartwarming moment was seen before the Rajasthan Royals vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RR vs. RCB) showdown in IPL 2025, when Virat Kohli gave Rahul Dravid an emotional hug at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

In a video that went viral in no time on social media, Dravid, who is now with the Royals' support staff and was seen attending the pre-match training session in a wheelchair because of a recent injury, was spotted supervising the session. Kohli, after spotting him, ran to the veteran coach and hugged him tightly, causing a wave of nostalgia and emotion among fans.

Also read: QUE vs LAH : Match 4 Weather and Pitch Report – PSL 2025

The official social media channels of the Rajasthan Royals on Instagram, X (previously Twitter), and Facebook posted the clip, referring to it as one of the most wholesome moments of IPL 2025 yet. The video also featured a quick, lighthearted conversation between Kohli, Dravid, and Royals' captain Sanju Samson, with all three observed laughing heartily.

Whether you’re a young one or number 18, pehle toh Rahul bhai se hi milna hai 💗💗 pic.twitter.com/sfXARNYM4u

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 12, 2025

Jaipur to Host Its First IPL 2025 Match

The 28th IPL 2025 match is the season's first game at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Rajasthan Royals will play Royal Challengers Bengaluru in what is shaping up to be an exciting afternoon encounter on April 13.
With glamorous lineups on both sides with players like Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson, Josh Hazlewood, Rajat Patidar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Jofra Archer, fans are looking forward to fireworks in Jaipur.

Also read: DC vs MI : Match 29 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

RCB is now fifth in the points table, having won three and lost two in five matches. They are looking to come back strongly after a loss to Delhi Capitals in their previous match. Rajasthan Royals, by contrast, have had an inconsistent season so far with two wins and three losses, keeping them seventh. Their recent loss to Gujarat Titans will make them seek a solid turnaround at home.

Since emotions were running high even before the first ball was bowled, Kohli and Dravid's hugs reminded one of the strong ties cricket creates—crossing teams, roles, and generations.

Rahul Dravid the wall is always been insiprational to the game. After leaving the position of Head coach from Indian Cricket Team he has taken up the job for coaching Rajasthan Royals. He has been part of Rajasthan Royals as player from 2011 to 2014. Where he led the team for last 2 years and after that mentored the team as well. Rahul Dravid calmness and steadiness have proved that his experience never fails under the tuff circumstances. 

Dravid had a great coaching tenure for team India ledding team India into the finals of 50 over world cup but couldn't able to win the last one. Yet he achieved the feat of winning the second World T20 title for India. Yet right after down from Indian Coach he was hired straight back as Rajasthan Royals head coach. 

Read More: Sanju Samson Shares His Hardships Before The IPL 2025

A Setback Never Excepted

IPL 2025 is just 10 days away and teams have started their sessions. Rahul Dravid has been hired by Rajasthan Royals as a coach servicing them for 4 years. Its return to his den, Rajasthan Royals would be expecting the same magic by him which he did for Team India last Year. Rajasthan Royals after winning their first edition never won the IPL trophy and they would have headed for it before they got this news. 

It has been reported that Rahul Dravid has not joined the pre-sessions camp for the team as he suffered a leg injury while playing cricket in Bengaluru but it has been assured to the fans that he is been recovering well. The franchise has recently shared the picture of the head coach having a strap around his legs which has stated that he will join the camp before the season commences. 

Head Coach Rahul Dravid, who picked up an injury while playing Cricket in Bangalore, is recovering well and will join us today in Jaipur 💗 pic.twitter.com/TW37tV5Isj

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 12, 2025

Read more: Dhanashree UnArchives Her Photos With Chahal In Instagram With Amid Rumours

Captain Samson On Hail For His Coach Dravid

In a recent interview with jio hotstar Captain Samson Samson has shared lots of views and he precceds that the retained players posses that talent thats why they have been chosen by the franchise. On coming back Rahul Dravid as coach he said he is excited about it, he played under him as a player in 2014 when he was the captain of the team. 

He said he was the one who spotted me when he was impressed by my batting style and asked me would play for my team. It was such an honour to play with him and sharing the dressing room with him was such a proud moment. I learned a lot from him and he as a head coach for us will be especially a big boost for me. 

Virat Kohli made history during the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final between India and Australia. After Australia won the toss and chose to bat first, Kohli reached a major milestone on the field after taking the catch of Inglis.  

He broke Rahul Dravid’s record of catching by taking a crucial catch to dismiss Josh Inglis in Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. Australia’s batters putting up a strong fight against India in a crucial semi-final. 

With this catch, Kohli became the Indian player with the most catches in international cricket. Just a few days ago, he had also broken Mohammad Azharuddin’s record for the most catches by an Indian in ODIs. Kohli now has 335 catches across all formats, just ahead of Dravid, who had 334. Dravid took 332 catches for India and two while playing for Asia XI and World XI. No other Indian player has taken more than 300 catches in international cricket.

ALSO READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (1st Semi-final) India vs Australia: Why are Indian players wearing armbands?

Most Catches For India In International Cricket

In cricket, many players give their best in their early twenties. But there are cricketers who score runs in big numbers even after age 30. This demonstrates that their experience, patience, and coaching change the game. 

1. Rohit Sharma – 36 Centuries

Rohit Sharma is one of the most successful batsmen in modern cricket. Though he started in 2007, he emerged as a top player after crossing the age of 30 years.

• His biggest transformation came when he became an opening batsman for his team in ODIs.
  
•  He has scored more than one double century in ODIs, a rare feat.
  
•  As a captain, he has successfully led India and continues to score centuries.
  
•  Rohit still plays international cricket, so he may add more centuries to this record.

2. Sachin Tendulkar – 35 Centuries

Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in cricket history. Even after turning 30, he continued to dominate world cricket.

• He played some of his best innings in his 30s, including a double century in ODIs.
• In the 2011 World Cup, he played a key role in India’s victory.
• His consistency across formats made him one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
• Even though younger players came into the team, Sachin remained India's best batsman until he retired in 2013.

ALSO READ:Most Runs Conceded by Indian Bowlers in a Single Over in ODI Cricket

3. Rahul Dravid – 26 Centuries

Rahul Dravid (known as "The Wall") was one of the most sure-fire batters from India in cricket.

• India won many matches due to his defense and patience in waiting.
  
• He hit some big knocks in Tests, at his most important in away matches in his 30s.
  
• He scored hundreds in the challenging English, Australian, and South African conditions.
  
• The Indian player, in his special role in the Indian navy especially in Test matches.
  
• Dravid was so good at playing these long innings that he was one of the most crucial players.

4. Virat Kohli – 19 Centuries

Virat Kohli one of the fittest, most serious players to follow this sports in history. Although the 20s are when he played hundreds he still was consistent after he turned 30 and scored many big hundreds.

• Test, ODI & T20 all centuries.
  
• His 2022 T20 World Cup innings vs Pakistan was one of his best outputs so far.
  
• It makes him tough at his age, by having aggressive batting and fitness level.
  
• Virat Kohli will continue to play internationally and definitely add more this that

ALSO READ:Why Indian Cricketers Don't Play Ranji Trophy

Other Notable Mentions

• Sunil Gavaskar
• Virender Sehwag
• MS Dhoni

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) will demonstrate their majestic gameplay in the forthcoming 2025 Indian Premier League. The Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders maintained the same number of players ahead of the blockbuster auction (6 retentions). Sanju Samson will head the side, and one would expect him to start, considering his success with Team India in T20Is. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer were all retained, giving an ideal six players in the playing XI.

Surprisingly, the Royals let go of multiple outstanding players, such as Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jos Buttler, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who might pose a significant roadblock to their second-ever title hopes. Under the prominent and match-winning guidance of their former RR veteran, Rahul Dravid, it will be intriguing to see how he unleashes the best out of his side. That being said, let's look at the notable strengths and flaws of the 2025 Rajasthan Royals arsenal. 

Rajasthan Royals 2025 IPL Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Nitish Rana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Akash Madhwal, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, Kunal Rathore, Ashok Sharma.

2 Strengths:

Perfect spinners-duo tackling the batters

Rajasthan Royals have perfectly ticked the box of having one of their squad's best and most reliable spinners, which is not surprising to find them giving a tremendous headache to the batters. Hailing from Sri Lanka, they have acquired the services of the Lankan team's primary spinners, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. Wanindu Hasaranga was one of the best deals in the IPL 2025 auction. He is now regarded as one of the best two spinners in the sport's shortest format.

One of the consistent sides is that they could consider Hasaranga, who can fill Yuzi Chahal's shoes for the long run of seasons. Hasaranga's leg-spinner contributions to the RR team are significant. Furthermore, Maheesh Theekshana is trustworthy, as seen by his outstanding stay with the Chennai Super Kings. Overall, with two international Lankan pacers, the Royals will improve their bowling unit's wicket-taking and economy on a vast scale. 

Robust emerging batting unit

Batting is RR's second most significant strength. RR has a powerful combo in Sanju Samson and Tashasvi Jaiswal to take apart other teams. Samson is an experienced T20 player, having shattered pver six centuries over his career. Jaiswal represents the current and future of both RR and Team India. 

Former defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders star Nitish Rana will be put in at a strong number three slot. The southpaw is a strong spin player with a long lineage. Riyan Parag received his due, and the Royals have placed high faith in him. In Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer, the team has the required hitters to be the side's finishers while maintaining credibility in the middle order.

1 Weakness:

Lack of core backup across all departments

While the franchise possesses quality and emerging alternatives, the inaugural winners lack quality in backups across all departments. They have a few talented players but lack experience in such a demanding environment. They have players like Nitish Rana and Riyan Parag, who can bowl a few overs, and Wanindu Hasaranga and Jofra Archer, who can use the willow. Still, the squad lacks a genuine all-rounder who can contribute significantly with both bat and ball while balancing the lineup.

In the batting lineup, RR will struggle to find substitutes if any first-choice hitters become injured or unavailable, limiting their chances of scoring specific high-scoring targets. Given their injury histories, both of their foreign bowlers are susceptible and can collapse at any point. Jofra Archer has recently shown positive improvements, but Wanindu Hasaranga has struggled to maintain his match-fit for a long time. These two will be among the top bowlers for RR next season, and they cannot afford to lose them.

Anvay, who is Rahul Dravid's younger son, did very well at the CP Ground, Mulapadu, by obtaining an impressive 90 runs this happened on December 29, and his performance was a major factor in getting Karnataka to win against Rajasthan in the Vijay Merchant Trophy men's under-16 match.

Anvay Steps Up as Wickets Tumble

When Anvay walked up to bat, Karnataka wasn't doing very well with their score at 52/2 by the 20th over their captain, Dhruv Krishnan, had barely made a run before he was taken out by Harsh Singh. And it wasn't getting better when Arush Jain, who had a decent start, could only get 20 runs off 41 balls before Rajat Baghel had him walking back. A short time later, Arya J Gowda, hitting the opening shots, also had to leave after getting 27 runs from 86 balls. Karnataka's momentum was essentially slowing down.

Anvay was wonderful under pressure. He teamed up with Syaamantak Anirudh to add 62 runs to the scoreboard as the fifth pair, which really helped make everything calm. A portion of the other men had a hard time out there - such as Sukurth J who only got 11 runs and Puru Dewadwal who added 22. But, Anvay was on a different level, scoring 90 runs from 140 balls and hitting 12 boundaries before Sujal Parmar got him out.

His amazing effort made sure Karnataka reached 239 runs after playing 81.5 overs. It wasn't a simple endeavor for the team--but Anvay's performance was a major help.

Cricket legend and former Team India head coach Rahul Dravid's younger son Anvay Dravid scored 90 for Karnataka in the Vijay Merchant Trophy (for Under-16) https://t.co/05RehX11RI

— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) December 29, 2024

Hiremarth Shines in Bowling

Karnataka took the lead by 116 runs, right after Rajasthan struggled and only managed to score 123 runs in 53.5 overs; the star of the game, Hiremarth, got five batsmen out and was the big reason they won. Supporting him well, Gaurav Venkatesh secured three wickets, while Sukurth added two more to the tally. Although Ekansh Sharma and Yatharth Bhardawaj put in some effort for Rajasthan by scoring 32 off 134 balls and 41 off 62 balls, respectively, it just wasn't enough.

ALSO READ:Arshdeep Singh Shortlisted for ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year

Anvay's Award-Winning Performance

Anvay got these two awards from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) at their award ceremony on December 28th, and it was really very good, because it was only a single day before his major game. He was really the best player in the Vijay Merchant Trophy, hitting 357 runs across five matches, which made him the top run-getter for Karnataka. His score average was 45, and in four of those matches, he knocked more than fifty runs each. Very impressive.

India enters the second Test against Australia in Adelaide with an advantage, having won the previous game in Perth by a massive 295 runs in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Notably, the second BGT Test will be played using the pink ball during the day and at night. 

The notion of day-night Tests was introduced in 2015 to add intrigue to the game's most extended format, and it will be witnessed again by many from the 6th of December against the best teams in Adelaide Oval. That being stated, here are the five most memorable India-Australia clashes from the BGT timeline at the grounds of Adelaide Oval. 

1. 2003, 2nd Test: India won by four wickets

India's triumph in the 2003 Adelaide Test is regarded as one of their most impressive foreign accomplishments. India struggled against a dominating Australian squad, which struck a mammoth 556 in their first innings, headed by Ricky Ponting's 242. When India's innings began, they were immediately reduced to 85 for 4, but Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman saved the day with a match-winning 303-run stand.

Dravid's massive 233 and Laxman's 148 almost equalled Australia's total, setting up an exciting end. In the second innings, Ajit Agarkar bowled an outstanding spell, taking 6 for 41 and dismissing Australia for 196. Dravid led India's chase with an unbeaten 72, sealing the four-wicket victory with a spectacular boundary. 

2. 2020, 1st Test: Australia won by eight wickets

India would like to forget the Test, but it is impossible for two reasons. In the second innings, they scored their lowest Test score ever, 36. Two, what transpired following this Test was something that no one expected as an injury-struck. Adelaide must be recognised as the beginning place for a historical excursion of that tour for the away side. India scored 244 in the first innings before bowling out the Aussies for 191 to grab a comfortable lead.

But then the unexpected happened: India was knocked out for just 36 in the second innings. Australia chased down the tiny target on only the third day to win and take a comprehensive 1-0 lead. Post that, a Virat Kohli-less India, headed by Ajinkya Rahane, defeated the Australians at the MCG, tied at the SCG, and then triumphed again at the Gabba to win the series for the third consecutive time.

3. 1985, 1st Test: Match drawn

The 1985 Adelaide Test was a usual high-scoring drawn Test match that many people witnessed. However, the game's highlight was then-India captain Kapil Dev's eight-wicket haul in Australia's first innings. Kapil used bouncers and swinging deliveries to take the following five wickets while conceding only seven runs. Kapil's 8/106 is the most incredible bowling figure in an innings by any bowler in an India-Australia Test match in Australia.

This helped India bowl out Australia for 381. India reacted by reaching a massive 520 runs count, with Sunil Gavaskar getting an unbeaten 166 in the Indian first innings, Kris Srikanth and Chetan Sharma scoring fifties, and the lower order making valuable contributions. The Australian second innings concluded on 17/0, with the match ending in a draw.

See Also: India vs Australia 2nd Test Match 2024 Live updates - Playing 11 likely lineups for Adelaide test and who will win 2nd test ?

4. 2012, 4th Test: Australia won by 298 runs

During India's fourth and last Test tour of Australia in January 2012, Virat Kohli batted brilliantly, scoring 116 runs off 213 deliveries at Adelaide Oval. In the first innings, a young Virat demonstrated skill, devotion, and poise against a formidable Australian bowling attack. He played with a positive mentality, counterattacking when necessary and defending effectively when required.

Kohli's century in Adelaide was his maiden Test century, and it was notable because he displayed excellent shot selection, timing, and footwork, allowing him to score runs effortlessly. Although India finally lost the match, the youngster's innings left an unforgettable impression and laid the framework for his future successes. Nonetheless, all was in vain, as the Australians won by 298 runs. But indeed, it deserves to be on this list, as it was the start of a batting era that redefined modern cricket.

5. 2014, 1st Test: Australia won by 48 runs

In the 2014 BGT series, the Adelaide clash didn't go India's way but saw a momentous batting feat being made by the King, Virat Kohli. Australia declared at 517/7 in their first innings, with hundreds from David Warner, Clarke, and Steve Smith. India responded impressively, scoring 444, with Kohli providing 115. In their second innings, the hosts declared for 290/5, setting a target of 364 runs for Team India.

Kohli once again struck a superb tonne (141), and Murali Vijay supplied a vital 99. However, their efforts were insufficient, and India lost the match by 48 runs, getting all out for 315. Nathan Lyon, an off-spinner, was named Man of the Match after taking 12 wickets and helping Australia win. But Kohli's dual-inning century was the match's USP.

Legendary New Zealand captain and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming and former Indian captain and head coach Rahul Dravid revealed the same name when asked about the top pick of one player from the past to participate in the IPL auction.

Jeddah is hosting the two-day mega auctions for the IPL 2025. The opening day experienced some record signings. 

Watch: Jasprit Bumrah gets a special name from Aussie commentators

Fleming and Dravid revealed their choices

Recently, the present IPL coaches were asked about their top choices for one player from the past to participate in the IPL auction. While the Rajasthan Royals’ new head coach Rahul Dravid named some big players, one of his names matched with the CSK head coach Stephen Fleming. 

Dravid and Fleming named former Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Suresh Raina as their top pick if one player from the past to participate in the IPL auction. 

Q: If you could bring back one player from the past to participate in the IPL auction, who would be your top pick?

Fleming : It’s Suresh Raina

Rahul Dravid : Suresh Raina he is a phenomenal player 🐯#SureshRaina | @ImRaina | #Whistlepodu pic.twitter.com/siWw3RkJ35

— SHANNU 🇮🇳 (@Shannu39) November 24, 2024

IPL Legend: Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina is a familiar name in the Indian Premier League who ended his career as a legendary cricketer. The left-handed batter previously held the record for most runs in the IPL for a long time. He was the first batter in IPL history to score 5000 runs. 

Apart from the 2016 and 2017 seasons, where the CSK were suspended along with Rajasthan Royals (RR) for two seasons, Raina served for the Yellow Army. In the IPL 2016 and 2017 seasons, Raina served for the now-defunct Gujarat Lions. He ended his IPL career with 5528 runs in 205 matches with an average of 32.51 and a strike rate of 136.73 with one century and 39 half-centuries. 

Raina also scored 842 runs in 24 matches for the CSK in the now-defunct Champions League T20 (CLT20) with the help of one century and five half-centuries. He was the first Indian to record a century in the CLT20.

Despite last time playing in 2021, Raina still holds the record for most runs by a CSK batter with 5529 runs in 200 matches (average 33.10 and strike rate 138.91), including two centuries and 38 half-centuries. 

Moreover, Raina took 110 catches for CSK and 109 catches in his IPL career. Currently, he is the record holder for the most catches for CSK and second most catches in the IPL history. 

Former Indian cricket legend and head coach Rahul Dravid has made a much-anticipated return to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as their head coach on a multi-year contract. Dravid, who previously captained the Royals in the 2012 and 2013 IPL seasons before taking on the role of mentor and Director of Cricket for the franchise in 2014 and 2015, is back in the IPL fold after a long hiatus.

Rahul Dravid returns to Rajasthan Royals, set for IPL auction after 8 years

Dravid’s last association with the IPL came before he shifted his focus to nurturing young Indian talent through the Under-19 setup. His efforts bore fruit as India produced several world-class cricketers during his tenure. More recently, Dravid concluded his stint as India's head coach on a high note, guiding the team to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.

As Dravid prepares to represent RR at the IPL 2025 auction table, he reflected on his return, saying, “I haven’t attended an auction in about eight or nine years. I remember being part of the first auction in 2008—it felt strange and awkward back then. Over the years, the process has evolved, becoming more professional and organized. While there aren’t jitters, there’s certainly a level of excitement because you’re building a team.”

That time of the year 💗⏳ pic.twitter.com/Tdp7zRBkiW

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 24, 2024

#IPLAuction2025 ⏳🔥 pic.twitter.com/jCoOv82DtV

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 23, 2024

See Also: Iyer-Chahal duo in same IPL squad: Fans react on social media

Core retentions limit RR’s auction purse

Rajasthan Royals have retained a strong core, including skipper Sanju Samson, emerging stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag, alongside key players Shimron Hetmyer and Sandeep Sharma. This strategic move, however, has left them with ₹41 crore out of their ₹120 crore purse for the auction.

Dravid acknowledged the challenges this presents but emphasized the importance of adaptability during auctions. "We’ve retained a strong core, so we’re a little more comfortable. But in auctions, surprises are inevitable, and thinking on your feet is crucial,” he remarked.

With Dravid’s return and a well-structured squad, Rajasthan Royals are aiming to bring their A-game in IPL 2025 and reclaim the trophy.