A Legendary Comeback After 7 Years
Legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid has made a much-anticipated return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) by joining Rajasthan Royals as their head coach. The 51-year-old cricketer, known for his immense contribution to Indian cricket, had stayed away from the IPL for nearly seven years to avoid any conflict of interest. During this period, Dravid dedicated himself to coaching India’s U-19 and India A teams, playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of Indian cricket talent. This decision to focus on Team India rather than the IPL reflected Dravid’s deep commitment to the development of Indian cricket.
A Successful Stint with Team India
After his work with the junior teams, Dravid’s coaching career took another significant step when he was appointed head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in 2019. Two years later, he assumed the role of head coach for the senior Indian team, guiding them to numerous successes. Under his leadership, India reached the finals of both the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Dravid’s tenure also saw Team India end their ICC title drought when Rohit Sharma’s side claimed victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, defeating Aiden Markram’s South African team in the final held in Barbados.
The IPL Beckons Once Again
Dravid’s success with Team India made him one of the most sought-after coaches in the IPL circuit. According to reports from Cricbuzz, several high-profile IPL franchises were eager to secure his services and were even willing to offer him ‘blank cheques.’ However, Dravid stayed loyal to Rajasthan Royals, the franchise that first brought him into the IPL fold during the 2011 mega-auction. After playing for the Royals for three seasons, Dravid transitioned into coaching and guided the team in the IPL 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Although Dravid later moved to Delhi Capitals for IPL 2016 and 2017, following Rajasthan Royals’ two-year suspension, his bond with the Royals remained strong. Now, with his international coaching career behind him, Dravid has decided to return to the Rajasthan Royals to steer them towards success.
Kumar Sangakkara’s Praise for Dravid’s Coaching Excellence
Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, expressed his enthusiasm about Rahul Dravid’s return, calling him one of the greatest players and coaches in the game. Sangakkara acknowledged Dravid’s remarkable ability to nurture young talent while enabling teams to perform consistently at the highest levels. “Rahul is one of the greatest players to have played the game, but what he has achieved over the past decade as a coach is extraordinary. His characteristics as a coach to develop talent while driving consistent performances will allow Rajasthan Royals to further challenge for the title,” Sangakkara said.
Looking Ahead to a Promising Future
Dravid’s return to the Rajasthan Royals is expected to bring renewed focus and energy to the team. His vision for the franchise is clear, and his determination to bring results is shared by the team’s management and players alike. With his vast experience in both international and domestic cricket, Dravid’s strategic insight is anticipated to play a pivotal role in helping Rajasthan Royals compete at the highest level once again. As the IPL continues to grow in stature, the return of a cricketing legend like Rahul Dravid only adds to the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming seasons.(Dubai7-Realmoneygame)