Rahul Dravid to reunite with Sanju Samson as head coach of Rajasthan Royals: Report

As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Rahul Dravid has recently finalized a contract with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and has already begun discussions about strategic plans for the upcoming 2025 season. This includes deliberations on player retention and other key decisions leading up to the auction.

Dravid had a successful tenure as Team India's head coach as India played the finals of the 2023 WTC and ODI World Cup and finally ended India's ICC title drought with the 2024 T20 WC title in Barbados earlier this year. He took a break after finishing his tenure with the Indian team and was seen enjoying Paris Olympics events from the stands.

The report also suggested that he might team up with Vikram Rathour, India's batting coach, as Dravid's coaching staff.

Rajasthan Royals qualified for the playoffs twice in the last three seasons under the guidance of Kumar Sangakkara, who is also the franchise's director of cricket operations. Dravid will replace Sangakkara as the head coach of Royals, but the Sri Lankan legend will continue his association with the franchise and will manage their other teams in different leagues - Paarl Royals in the SA20 and Barbados Royals in the CPL.

The inaugural champions have not won an IPL title since 2008. They came close in 2022 to reclaim the glory but lost the final to Gujarat Titans. They would want Dravid to end their title drought, which he also did with the Indian team earlier this year. Dravid will reunite with Sanju Samson, who is all set to be retained as RR captain for another season. Samson blossomed first under the 52-year-old.