Ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Rahul Dravid arrived at a training session in an electric wheelchair. Video footage showed Dravid navigating the training grounds on the motorised wheelchair. This adaptation allows him to remain active and oversee preparations for the upcoming season, despite a left leg injury sustained during a recent club match in Bengaluru.
The unexpected sight of Dravid in a wheelchair has generated considerable buzz on social media, with fans expressing concern about the severity of his injury. Despite his physical challenges, the former Indian team coach is clearly committed to closely monitoring the Rajasthan Royals’ preparations for the new IPL campaign.
Dravid’s injury occurred when he strained his left calf muscle while playing for Vijaya Cricket Club in a Karnataka State Cricket Association League semifinal match against Jayanagar Cricketers for the Sri Nassur Memorial Shield.
Rajasthan Royals had previously shared a picture of Dravid with a cast on his left leg, announcing that he had sustained an injury while playing cricket in Bangalore but was recovering and would join the team in Jaipur on Wednesday.
In a surprising return to the field earlier, Dravid participated in a KSCA Group I, Division III league match on February 22 alongside his younger son, Anvay, in the Nassur Memorial Shield.
Representing Vijaya Cricket Club (Malur) against Young Lions Club in a 50-over game in Bengaluru, Dravid batted at number 6, scoring 10 runs off 8 balls before being dismissed. He and his son contributed a 17-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
During the semifinal match against Jayanagar Cricketers, Dravid played his second tournament game. He came to the crease when Vijaya Cricket Club was struggling at 12 for 3 in the seventh over, joining his son Anvay.
Shortly after starting his innings, the 52-year-old showed signs of discomfort due to his leg. However, he continued playing and formed a 43-run partnership with Anvay for the fourth wicket, lasting 66 balls.
Despite battling the injury, the cricket legend played until he needed assistance leaving the field. His resilience, however, was not enough to change the outcome for Vijaya Cricket Club, Malur, in the semifinal.
Rajasthan Royals, who won the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and reached the final again in 2022, are scheduled to commence their IPL 2025 campaign on March 23 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
