Rahul Dravid joins Indian Cricket Team after leaving Rajasthan Royals

Indian cricket is set for a big reshuffle as VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid are reportedly preparing to switch their coaching roles. Last year, Rahul Dravid resigned as India’s head coach after winning the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean and returned to the Rajasthan Royals.

But shockingly, Dravid also left his position as Rajasthan Royals’ head coach just after one poor IPL 2025 season despite signing a three-year deal with the franchise. When Dravid joined the Indian cricket team, VVS Laxman succeeded him as the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Rahul Dravid set for NCA return, VVS Laxman eyes IPL comeback

Earlier, Dravid had served as the India A and India Under-19 coach for six years since 2015 before joining the NCA as the Head of Cricket in 2019. And two years later, the legendary Indian batter replaced Ravi Shastri as the senior national team’s head coach in 2021.

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Then, the position of the National Cricket Academy’s Head of Cricket was given to VVS Laxman in December 2021. Since Dravid has no contract with the BCCI or any IPL team, the former Indian head coach is expected to return to the NCA in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, it is being said that VVS Laxman is all set to return to the IPL, where he had worked with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as the mentor between 2013 and 2021, while Dravid is expected to take charge again at the NCA, which is also now known as the BCCI Centre of Excellence, in Bengaluru.

Rahul Dravid is ready to groom the next generation of players

It is being said that the discussions are at an advanced stage. Well, Rahul Dravid has always focused on building the future of Indian cricket, and this move is seen as a continuation of his long-term vision for Indian cricket, with a strong emphasis on skill development, injury management, and grooming the next generation of players.

Dravid’s guidance has already shaped many stars, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Abhishek Sharma, and this role will give him another chance to prepare the next generation.

On the other hand, VVS Laxman, who is known for his tactical mind and cool, balanced leadership style, is set to rejoin the IPL, and talks are already underway. Apart from heading the NCA, Laxman had also acted as the Team India coach on many occasions in the absence of Dravid.

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Coaching reshuffle on the cards in Indian cricket: Sources

A source was quoted as saying by myKhel, “VVS Laxman, currently heading the NCA, is now exploring opportunities in the IPL as part of a possible coaching reshuffle.”

An official announcement for Rahul Dravid and Laxman’s roles is expected to be made soon, once both the BCCI and the franchise finalize the deals.

If confirmed, the shuffling will mark not just a change in roles but a calculated redistribution of cricketing power to balance India’s grassroots development and fulfill the IPL's growing demand for the top coaching minds. However, there is no hint whether Laxman would return to SRH ahead of the IPL 2026.

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