Rahul Dravid officially named Rajasthan Royals head coach: "After World Cup, I feel..."

Former India National Cricket Team head coach Rahul Dravid has been appointed as the new head coach of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise confirmed the development through social media on Friday (6th September).

Rahul Dravid, under whom India National Cricket Team won the T20 World Cup 2024, signed the deal with the Rajasthan Royals in Bengaluru. His tenure with Team India ended after the tournament and the former India captain reportedly was approached by the franchise to take over the role in IPL.

Rajasthan Royals posted the picture of Rahul Dravid with CEO Jake Lush McCrum handing him the pink jersey. They posted the picture with the caption:

"Rahul Dravid, India's legendary World Cup-winning coach, is set for a sensational return to Rajasthan Royals! The cricket icon was captured receiving his Pink jersey from the Royals Sports Group CEO Jake Lush McCrum. It is believed that the RR Admin was present too, capturing the deal being signed in Bangalore."

Rahul Dravid, India's legendary World Cup-winning coach, is set for a sensational return to Rajasthan Royals! 🇮🇳🤝

The cricket icon was captured receiving his Pink jersey from the Royals Sports Group CEO Jake Lush McCrum. It is believed that the RR Admin was present too,… pic.twitter.com/C6Q8KRDFgW

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 6, 2024

Watch it till the end because yes, this is happening! 🔥💗 pic.twitter.com/yh5Ozz395E

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 6, 2024

It will be a homecoming for Rahul Dravid in the Rajasthan Royals as he played for the team in the league. He captained the team in 2012 and 2013 and after that served as their mentor and Director of Cricket in 2014 and 2015 before moving to Delhi Capitals, where he stayed till 2018.

Rahul Dravid had a great outing as a head coach with the India National Cricket Team. Under him, the team reached the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 and then also reached the final of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 and ICC World Cup 2023 before winning the T20 World Cup 2024.

Dravid would want to carry forward the legacy of the Rajasthan Royals. The franchise has been doing well in the league for the last few seasons but has failed to win the title. Dravid would want to help the team lift the trophy and end their drought.

I feel it's the ideal time for me to take on another challenge - Rahul Dravid

On his appointment as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals, Rahul Dravid said that after his stint with India, he feels it is the right time for him to take another challenge. He also added that the Royals family is no better place to embark on his new journey. He stated:

Rahul Dravid also lauded the Rajasthan Royals management for their work for the team. He stressed that it would be a huge opportunity for him to take the team forward and also expressed his excitement to take over the role. He added:

"I am pleased to be returning to the franchise I have called 'home' for a number of years in the past. After the World Cup, I feel it's the ideal time for me to take on another challenge, and the Royals is the perfect place to do that.

"A lot of hard work and deliberation from Manoj, Jake, Kumar and the team has gone into the progression that the franchise has made over the past few years. It's an exciting opportunity for us to take this team to the next level given the kind of talent and resources we have at our disposal and I'm looking forward to getting started," he concluded.