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The storied career of Rahul Dravid looks all set to take another interesting turn, one that could certainly be one of the biggest talking points for the 2025 IPL. The former Indian coach, who stepped away after scripting India’s 2024 T20I World Cup win, could well be on his way to joining the Delhi Capitals as head coach, as the grapevine suggests.
With an impeccable CV as one of the most accomplished player-coaches in world cricket, Dravid in any case wouldn’t have a lack of suitors (read IPL franchisees) at his door, aiming to get the nod from him.
WIth Ricky Ponting parting ways with the Capitals, the powers that be in the franchisee have been trying to identify a suitable replacement, and as one understands, have stumbled upon the obvious that inking a head coach deal with Dravid would be nothing short of a coup.
Interestingly, the Capitals’ director of cricket Sourav Ganguly is also being seen in many circles as the one to take on the void left by Ponting’s exit, but with Dravid being considered now, it could all get even more interesting.
Dravid and Ganguly have played together for a considerable period of time, and have captained each other in the India crest too. And with their understanding of the current set-up of Indian cricket, this could well be a heady mix if Capitals do go all the way to secure Dravid’s services. The combination could potentially elevate Delhi Capitals’ performance in the upcoming season, leveraging their strategic insights and leadership skills.
Dravid’s previous tenure with Delhi Capitals and his success in mentoring players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer could make him an ideal choice for the head coach position. If Dravid joins the team, his familiarity with the franchise and his proven track record in player development could be highly beneficial.
The potential partnership between Dravid and Ganguly, given their strong relationship and complementary coaching styles, could provide a significant boost to the team’s chances of winning IPL for the first time. It’s evident that consistency and stability in team selection play a crucial role in a team’s performance.
Ganguly’s influence seems to have brought much-needed stability to the Delhi Capitals, which translated into better results on the field. If Dravid joins as head coach, his experience and strategic acumen, combined with Ganguly’s leadership, could indeed form a formidable coaching duo. This partnership could provide the perfect blend of tactical expertise and player management, potentially setting the stage for a successful campaign in the 2025 IPL.
It’s understandable that other teams would be interested in securing Dravid, given his coaching credentials and successful track record. Dravid’s decision will likely depend on various factors such as the team’s vision, the support structure, and the role he would play within the franchise. His relationship with the players and management of Delhi Capitals, along with the potential to work alongside Ganguly, might influence his choice.
There is also the other possibility of the Capitals going for just one of the two legendary figures, in an attempt to keep things simpler. History will remind the Indian cricket fan of how the Greg Chappell saga cost Ganguly his Indian team captaincy and place in the side, for his good friend Rahul Dravid to be elevated to the top job. A chapter that irrevocably left a huge blemish on Indian cricket.
This is 2024 though. The two giants of the game are as much alike in deed as they are different in methods, both of which have contributed to the wholesome development of Indian cricket. The next few weeks and months, in all certainty will unravel whether Ganguly and Dravid are at the helm of affairs together again. Or not.
As for Dravid Multiple offers, including one from the Rajasthan Royals, will certainly reach him over the next few weeks. on the table, it will be interesting to see which franchise can win his trust and secure his services. The next few weeks or months will be crucial in determining where Dravid’s coaching journey will take him.
