Rahul Dravid’s Team India stint ended after T20 World Cup 2024
After his successful stint as head coach of Team India, leading them to triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024, Rahul Dravid is reportedly poised for a new adventure in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With his tenure with the national team concluded, Dravid has been linked to several IPL franchises. Initial reports speculated that he might join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), especially with Gautam Gambhir vacating his mentorship role to replace Dravid as India’s head coach. However, new information suggests that Dravid is in talks with his former IPL team, Rajasthan Royals.
According to a source quoted by the Times of India, “Talks are going on between RR and Dravid, and an announcement in this regard is round the corner.”
While Dravid explores this new opportunity, Gambhir has already begun his role as India’s head coach, traveling to Sri Lanka for a white-ball series. Gambhir acknowledged the significant legacy left by Dravid and the challenge of filling his shoes.
Dravid humorously referred to himself as ‘jobless’ after the T20 World Cup victory, even asking reporters for job suggestions. Given his remarkable talent and extensive experience in Indian cricket, it’s no surprise that IPL franchises are eager to secure his services.
Dravid opted not to continue as India’s head coach due to the extensive travel, which kept him away from his family for about 10 months a year. The IPL, with its shorter commitment of 2-3 months annually, presents a more appealing option for him.
Dravid has prior experience in the IPL, having served as a mentor and coach for various franchises. He last coached the Delhi Daredevils before stepping down in 2017 due to a conflict of interest. Since then, he has coached India’s junior teams, including the Under-19 and India A squads, and most recently, served as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru before taking up the India head coach position in 2021.
As Dravid potentially rejoins the Rajasthan Royals, it remains to be seen in what capacity he will contribute to the franchise.
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