Former India cricketer Rahul Dravid revealed how it felt to be part of the auction after eight long years. Dravid talked about his life after the historic T20 World Cup triumph and how he enjoys his time with family. Dravid admitted that there are jitters, but still mostly excitement about being a part of the IPL2025 mega auction. Dravid started his new innings as Rajasthan Royals head coach and is currently in Jeddah for the IPL 2025 mega auction. The auction takes place on November 24 and 25.

“I haven’t attended an auction in a long time — about eight or nine years to be exact. I remember attending the first auction in 2008, and it felt strange and awkward at the time. Over the years, teams have become more organized and prepared, and the process has become more professional Although I wouldn’t say there are tremors, there is certainly a level of excitement because you build a team case, we have kept a strong core, so we are a little more comfortable, but it’s important to think on our feet and adapt as surprises inevitably pop up during the auction,” says Dravid.

Dravid is sincere

“Happy to be back with the Royals”

Dravid returned to the franchise for the first time since 2015. Dravid led the Royals in the IPL in 2012 and 2013 and served as their mentor and director of cricket in 2014 and 2015 before moving to the Delhi Capitals. Dravid spent four more seasons in the IPL as head coach before taking up the role of India U19 coach in 2019.

“I’m really excited to be back with Rajasthan Royals. I played three years of cricket here and was also a mentor/coach for a few years. It’s great to reconnect with old friends and contribute to the growth of the team. I’m looking forward to the auction, meet the new players and the IPL, which starts earlier this year,” he added.

Dravid highlighted his life after completing his stint as Team India coach.

“It took me a few days after that amazing evening and night in Bombay to process the excitement of winning the World Cup. Thankfully things have slowed down a bit since then, which is quite nice and what I was hoping for. It’s been great to Spend more time at home As a cricketer you learn to move on from big moments and stay in the moment, new challenges are always exciting because they offer opportunities to grow and learn, and that mindset never changes.