The preparation for the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) is in full swing as all ten franchises are in the rebuilding phase. That is why some of the franchises are keen to do some chopping and changing in their coaching staff as well. And as per the latest developments, the inaugural season winner Rajasthan Royals have also added another big name to their coaching staff.
A few days back, RR appointed former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid for the head coach role ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Now, they have roped in former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour for the coming season of this marquee league. This news broke on September 20 (Friday), when the franchise confirmed that Rathour will assist Dravid as batting coach for the IPL 2025 edition.
IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals rope in Vikram Rathour as batting coach ahead of the mega auction.
It will be another stint together for Dravid and Rathour, but this time for Rajasthan Royals. These two helped Team India to end a decade-long ICC title drought, and under them, India won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. India also played the finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and the World Test Championship 2021-23 under this duo.
Now, they will assist RR, and the franchise is desperately waiting for their second IPL title for the last 16 seasons. Rathour is a well-known face in the coaching domain with loads of experience. Under his guidance, India groomed batters like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, and he helped them at the crucial stage of their initial careers. He worked with Indian team from 2019 and 2024.
Hence, coaching is not new to him. He also served as a member of the Indian selection committee before joining the Indian team as a batting coach. Vikram Rathour has also served as head coach of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab at domestic circuits. For India, he played six Tests and seven ODIs and established himself as one of Indian re-owned coaches.
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RR head coach Dravid welcomed Rathour for the IPL 2025 and praised him. He said, “Having worked closely with Vikram for many years, I can confidently say that his technical expertise, calm demeanour, and deep understanding of Indian conditions make him a perfect fit for the Royals.”
Meanwhile, Rathour also felt excited on his appointment with RR. In an interview, he said, “It’s 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.” Rathour will join the franchise soon.
