Unexpected Move to Rajasthan
In the 2011 IPL mega auction, Rahul Dravid was one of the star players on offer, with a base price of USD 400,000. When his name came up for bidding, however, his former franchise, the Royal Challengers Bangalore, did not make a move. Team owner Vijay Mallya and mentor Anil Kumble remained still, creating a brief moment where it seemed that Dravid might go unsold. It was Rajasthan Royals who stepped in, securing the Indian cricket legend for a relatively modest USD 500,000.
This figure was a stark contrast to the USD 1,035,000 he had fetched in previous years, highlighting the different dynamics of the IPL auction. Although the price didn’t reflect his immense contribution to Indian cricket, Dravid was spared the embarrassment of being passed over in front of a hometown crowd. Understanding the evolving nature of the game, Dravid graciously accepted his new role in Indian cricket. From this point forward, a strong and lasting relationship between Dravid and Rajasthan Royals was forged.
Unlike Vito Corleone’s famous line about time eroding gratitude faster than beauty, neither the fictional character nor his creator, Mario Puzo, would have met Rahul Dravid. Despite becoming one of the most sought-after coaches after guiding India to two successful World Cup campaigns, Dravid has remained loyal to the Rajasthan Royals. The 2011 auction moment is one he still recalls fondly, even rejecting lucrative offers from major IPL franchises that were willing to pay any amount for his expertise.
Dravid’s Commitment
For Dravid, money has never been a priority. One well-known tale from Chennai’s cricket circles tells of when he was approached by India Cements to play in a local league. At the time, Dravid’s bank balance was just INR 80,000. Asked to name his fee, he requested INR 40,000 so he could buy a Maruti 800, leaving the rest up to the management. His connection with India Cements has remained strong ever since, reflecting Dravid’s deep sense of loyalty.
As both captain and coach of Rajasthan Royals, Dravid’s strategies were often more profound than they appeared. He was among the early adopters of player match-ups and analytics, well before such tactics became mainstream in the IPL. During his tenure from 2012 to 2015, the Royals, under Dravid’s leadership, saw some of their best seasons since their inaugural title win. He captained 34 of his 46 matches, scoring 1,276 runs at a strike rate of 110, with an average close to 30. As a mentor and coach, the Royals won 14 of 28 games, finishing fifth in 2014 and fourth in 2015.
Leadership on Royals and Young Talent
Dravid also spent a brief period with Delhi Daredevils, though this was only because the Royals were handed a two-year suspension. Before becoming India’s head coach, Dravid was instrumental in developing young talent, particularly Sanju Samson. Today, Samson is viewed as one of the rising stars in the IPL, and much of his growth can be credited to Dravid’s mentorship. In a league where captains like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are seen as game-changers, Samson is rapidly gaining that level of respect, thanks to Dravid’s influence.
When Dravid jokingly stated that he was “jobless” following India’s T20 World Cup victory, it was clear that he was set for a return to Rajasthan Royals. The only potential complication is the role of Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the Director of Cricket and head coach for the past four seasons. Sangakkara, earning around INR 5 crore annually, also oversees the Royals’ operations in the Caribbean Premier League and SA20.
With Dravid’s anticipated return, Sangakkara may be asked to focus more on these overseas ventures, or even a potential acquisition in The Hundred, unless he chooses to step down. For now, the Royals management believes Dravid and Sangakkara can work together, a pairing that is bound to benefit the players under their guidance.