Rajasthan Royals’ coach, Rahul Dravid, was spotted arriving at the team’s practice ground in an electric wheelchair for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Fans were left speechless when they spotted Dravid rolling into the venue in a motorized wheelchair, raising eyebrows regarding the severity of his injury. But despite the physical limitation, the former India coach is still determined to see through the team’s preparation.
Rahul Dravid Suffers Calf Muscle Injury in Bengaluru Club Match
Dravid suffered a left calf muscle injury during the game for Vijaya Cricket Club against Jayanagar Cricketers in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Group I, League III semifinal for the Sri Nassur Memorial Shield.
The Rajasthan Royals had already posted an update on his condition, with a picture of him sporting a cast on his left leg and a caption, “Head Coach Rahul Dravid, who picked up an injury while playing Cricket in Bangalore, is recovering well and will join us today (Wednesday) in Jaipur.”
A Surprise Return to the Cricket Field
In a surprise comeback to competitive cricket before his injury, Dravid played with his younger son, Anvay, for the Vijaya Cricket Club (Malur) in the KSCA Group I, Division III league game. Playing at No. 6, the Indian cricket icon scored 10 runs off eight balls against the Young Lions Club at the SLS Kreedangana cricket ground in Bengaluru before getting dismissed by spinner AR Ullas. The father-and-son partnership lasted a short 17-run stand for the fifth wicket.
During the semifinal match against Jayanagar Cricketers, Dravid came in at the crease alongside Anvay when Vijaya Cricket Club was in trouble at 12/3 in the seventh over. Two overs into his stay, the 52-year-old was seen in pain but remained on the field, sharing a key 66-ball 43-run stand with his son. The injury ultimately got the better of him, and his team couldn’t manage a win.
IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals’ Campaign Kick-Off
Despite the injury, Dravid’s show of face in Rajasthan Royals’ training sessions testifies to his unflinching commitment to the team. The Royals, who won the IPL title in 2008 and returned to the final in 2022, are ready for the next season. They will start their IPL 2025 journey against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on March 23.
Resilience of Rahul Dravid Inspires Fans
Supporters on social media were evenly divided in their response to seeing Dravid in a wheelchair, with most praising his dedication to cricket. Though the severity of his injury is cause for concern, his willingness to remain engaged in preparations by Rajasthan Royals has been universally applauded. In the run-up to IPL 2025, the team will look to gain from the guidance and expertise of their all-time great coach.