Rajasthan Royals have appointed Vikram Rathour as their batting coach for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, marking a reunion with Rahul Dravid.Rathour’s new role follows Dravid’s appointment as head coach of the Royals for the upcoming season.
Rathour previously served as the batting coach of the Indian men’s national team, a tenure that ended in June 2024. During his time with the national team, Rathour played a pivotal role in India’s resurgence, contributing to their T20 World Cup victory earlier this year—the country’s first International Cricket Council (ICC) title in 11 years. His work with the Indian team also saw him collaborate closely with Dravid between 2021 and 2024.
Rahul Dravid, excited about the reunion, praised Rathour’s technical acumen and calm presence. “Having worked closely with Vikram for many years, I can confidently say that his technical expertise, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of Indian conditions make him a perfect fit for the Royals,” Dravid said in a statement.
Dravid and Rathour Reunite to Strengthen Rajasthan Royals Squad
He added, “We’ve built a strong rapport together, guided India to key successes, and I’m thrilled to reunite with him. His ability to nurture young talent and elevate players’ potential will be invaluable as we aim to further strengthen our squad and continue building a world-class team here at Rajasthan Royals.”
Rathour, a former India opener, expressed his excitement about joining the Royals and working with Dravid once again. “It is a privilege to be part of the Royals family. The opportunity to work again with Rahul, and now with a talented group of young cricketers, is exciting. I look forward to contributing to the team’s vision and working toward our goal of developing top-class players for the Royals and for India, which can help in winning championships,” Rathour said.
Both Dravid and Rathour will collaborate with Kumar Sangakkara, the Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals. Sangakkara, who also coached the Royals in IPL 2023, will play a key role in shaping the franchise’s future.
Rajasthan Royals, captained by Sanju Samson, had an impressive run in the 2024 IPL, finishing third and making the playoffs for the second time in three years. With the additions of Dravid and Rathour to the coaching staff, the Royals are aiming to elevate their performance in the upcoming seasons.
