'This is where the IPL is won!' Rahul Dravid Tells Rajasthan Royals on Day 1 at Job

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A day after being officially named the head coach of Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2025, Rahul Dravid wasted no time getting started, marking his first assignment since leading India to the T20 World Cup triumph in the West Indies.

Dravid, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, arrived at the Royals' office wearing a pink T-shirt, symbolising his alignment with the team's colours. As he entered the meeting room, his first words were, "Hello! So this is where the IPL is won," signalling his intent to bring championship success to the franchise.

Dravid's return to the IPL, after previously serving as both a player and coach for the Royals from 2011 to 2015, is a major milestone for the 2008 IPL champions. Despite his illustrious playing and coaching career, the IPL trophy has remained elusive to him. Now, with a T20 World Cup under his belt, the former India captain will be eager to tick the IPL title off his list of coaching achievements.

"This is a special opportunity," Dravid shared in a media release announcing his appointment. "I have always had a soft spot for Rajasthan Royals, having spent years with the team. After winning the T20 World Cup, I feel the time is right to take on a new challenge, and the Royals are the perfect place to do that."

Dravid's appointment comes after an impressive tenure as India's head coach, during which he led the national team to the finals of all three major ICC tournaments. While India fell short in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup finals, the T20 World Cup victory against South Africa in Barbados was a crowning achievement.

His transition to IPL coaching presents a new challenge, and Rajasthan Royals will be banking on his wealth of experience to bring the coveted trophy back to Jaipur. His first major assignment begins with the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction with the aim to build winning team for the season.

The Royals, who have been striving for a second IPL title since their inaugural victory in 2008, are thrilled to have Dravid at the helm. With a fresh T20 World Cup win behind him, Dravid's determination to succeed in the IPL is clear. Whether he can turn Rajasthan's fortunes around and deliver an IPL title will be one of the most anticipated stories of the upcoming season.