Rahul Dravid’s Return to IPL: Coaching Record as a Mentor
Indian cricket team’s former coach, Rahul Dravid, is set to return to the IPL. ‘The Wall’ will make his comeback to India’s flagship cricketing event after concluding a successful tenure with the Men in Blue. Dravid’s return marks a significant moment for IPL fans and the Rajasthan Royals.
A Glorious Tenure with Team India
Dravid lifted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 as the coach in Barbados, serving as a perfect send-off to three glorious years with the Indian team. Initially, Dravid had decided to step down after the disappointment in the Final of the ODI World Cup 2023 against Australia. However, skipper Rohit Sharma convinced him to stay until the T20 World Cup, which ended perfectly with a trophy win.
Coaching the Rajasthan Royals
Following his farewell from the Indian team, Dravid is now set to coach the Rajasthan Royals in the 18th edition of the competition in 2025, as reported by the Times of India (TOI). Talks between RR and Dravid are ongoing, and an announcement is expected soon.
Dravid’s Previous Stints in IPL
Dravid’s first stint as a mentor in the IPL was during the 2014 season with the Rajasthan Royals. The team almost made it to the playoffs but was defeated by Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians in a deciding match at the Wankhede Stadium. Aditya Tare’s last-ball six off James Faulkner sealed Mumbai’s playoff spot.
In the 2015 season, Dravid led the Royals to a third-place finish. However, the inaugural IPL champions were knocked out in the playoffs.
In the 2016 season, Dravid switched to the Delhi Capitals. Unfortunately, it was a disappointing season as Delhi finished sixth with seven wins in fourteen games. Despite the setback, Dravid went on to coach the Indian U-19 side, nurturing young talents like Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar.
Looking Ahead
With ‘The Wall’ back in the IPL, fans eagerly anticipate how his mentorship will impact the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming season. Dravid’s return brings hope and excitement, as his proven track record promises to elevate the team’s performance.
