There, cut and listen, as it snipped. He’s been in this role since the start of the 2021 season. Dravid’s exit comes right before the SA20 auction on September 9. He’s one of 541 players vying for one of the 78 spots in the field for the big tournament. The SA20 will feature a mix of local talent and international stars, with 300 South African players and 241 overseas players on the auction list.
Dravid’s connection with the Rajasthan Royals started as a player, when the former India captain turned out for the franchise from 2011-2013. He was named captain in 2013, cementing himself as a natural leader on the field. This latest move deepened his legacy on the team. After hanging up his professional boots, Mukamba became a team mentor from 2013 to 2015. His leadership has been pivotal in shaping the direction of the franchise.
In a statement reflecting on Dravid’s impact, the Royals organization remarked, “Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey over many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, built strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise.”
After strong TFA performances in the last few years, Dravid was offered a larger role in the organization. Rather than take it lying down, he chose to vacate his office’s spot entirely. His exit makes him the second coach to jump ship from their IPL franchise in this off-season.
Dravid’s coaching tenure was defined by his advocacy for young stars. Specifically, he gave a debut to 14-year-old batting whiz Vaibhav Suryavanshi, underscoring his penchant for developing future talents.
With the SA20 auction just around the corner, cricket fans can’t wait to see how it will all play out. One player sure to attract attention will be veteran English bowler James Anderson, who’s made himself available for the auction. His involvement brings new sizzle to an already remarkable competitive field. The 27-man lineup brings together a bevy of England qualified players. Notable members include Moeen Ali, Jason Roy, Saqib Mahmood, and Reece Topley.
The fourth edition of this popular SA20 tournament is scheduled to run from December 26 – January 26. This year’s auction has some big players really shaking up the competition for contracts. This fierce rivalry makes for an exciting prospect for T20 cricket in South Africa.
Back home across these many turbulent times, South Africa continues to prepare for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Combined with the experience provided by team captain Aiden Markram, a formidable squad was formed. Standout individuals include Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Reeza Hendricks, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ottneil Baartman and Gerald Coetzee.
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