The Wall’s New Assignment
Rahul Dravid’s first major role after stepping down as India’s head coach is nearly confirmed, with the cricketing legend set to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dravid, who ended his tenure on a high note with a World Cup victory, is likely to join a team that has been instrumental in shaping his coaching career. According to the Times of India, Dravid is expected to become the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals, with an official announcement imminent.
Dravid’s History with Rajasthan Royals
Dravid’s association with the Rajasthan Royals dates back to 2011 when he joined the team as captain and played for three seasons before retiring. In 2014, he took over as the team’s mentor and was part of one of the most memorable moments in IPL history when he expressed his frustration by throwing his cap on the ground after a narrow loss to the Mumbai Indians. His return to the Royals marks a full-circle moment in his coaching journey.
The Appeal of an IPL Role
One of the primary reasons Dravid decided to step down as India’s head coach was the extensive time commitment and travel involved. At 50, Dravid aims to spend more time with his family, especially as his sons Samit and Anvay are starting their professional cricket careers. An IPL coaching role, which would require a commitment of around two months, suits his current lifestyle better.
Transition from Kumar Sangakkara
Dravid’s appointment as head coach of the Royals could spell the end of Kumar Sangakkara’s tenure with the team. Sangakkara has been with the Royals since 2021, but Dravid’s history with the franchise and his coaching credentials make him a natural fit for the role.
Speculations of a Move to KKR
There were earlier reports suggesting that Dravid might join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), especially after the BCCI appointed former KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir as India’s new head coach. However, these reports lacked solid information. Dravid’s move to Rajasthan Royals seems more logical given his previous stint with the team.
A Storied Coaching Career
After retiring from playing, Dravid tried his hand at broadcasting, delivering memorable commentary alongside Sourav Ganguly. However, his passion for the game led him back to coaching, where he had significant success with India’s Under-19 and A teams. Under his guidance, the Under-19 team reached the World Cup final in 2016 and won the championship in 2018, with future stars like Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw.
Looking Ahead
As Dravid prepares for his next adventure with the Rajasthan Royals, he continues to be a revered figure in the cricketing world. His return to the IPL not only marks a new chapter in his career but also brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Royals’ camp. The cricketing community eagerly awaits the official announcement and looks forward to seeing Dravid back in action.(Dubai7-Realmoneygame)