Rahul Dravid reportedly rejected offers with blank cheques from several IPL teams, choosing instead to stay loyal to Rajasthan Royals.
Dravid is making a comeback. Just a few months after his perfect exit as the head coach of India’s World Cup-winning team, he’s now preparing for a new role as the coach of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. Dravid has a long history with the Royals, having played, captained, and mentored the team in the past. He first joined the IPL in 2008 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (then Bengaluru), but after three seasons, he moved to Rajasthan Royals, where his bond has only grown stronger over time.
Dravid Returns to Coach Rajasthan Royals
After his cricket retirement in 2013, Dravid tried his hand at broadcasting but soon discovered his passion for coaching. He played a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian cricket, guiding both the Under-19 and A teams. His success peaked when India won the World Cup during his tenure as head coach.
With his sons Samit and Anvay starting their own cricket careers, Dravid wanted a job that allowed him to balance work and family life. Returning to Rajasthan Royals, a franchise close to his heart, seemed like the perfect fit. According to a report by Cricbuzz, Dravid was so sure of his decision to coach the Royals that he turned down blank cheques from several IPL teams.
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Why Dravid is So Loyal to Rajasthan Royals
Dravid’s loyalty to Rajasthan Royals might surprise some, but it’s deeply rooted in a past event. In 2011, after serving Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for a few years, Dravid’s performance had declined slightly due to age. He scored 371 runs in 2008, 271 in 2009, and 256 in 2010, but the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket was becoming a challenge for the 38-year-old.
During the second IPL auction, RCB chose not to bid for Dravid. Neither the team mentor, Anil Kumble, nor the owner, Vijay Mallya, showed any interest when his name came up. It looked like Dravid would remain unsold, but the Rajasthan Royals raised their paddle and gave him a chance. The money didn’t matter to Dravid, but the trust Royals showed in him did. He immediately proved himself by scoring 343 runs in his first season with them.
In 2012, after retiring from international cricket, Dravid led Rajasthan Royals as captain and scored 462 runs.
Dravid’s Impact in the 2013 IPL Scandal
In 2013, despite Rajasthan Royals being involved in the IPL spot-fixing scandal, Dravid’s leadership shone. He scored 471 runs with four half-centuries, taking RR to the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Although they didn’t win the title, Dravid helped the team reach the Champions League final before retiring at the end of the year. In 2014, he returned as a mentor for the Royals and had a memorable moment, angrily throwing his cap as Mumbai Indians chased down a huge total.
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