Rahul Dravid steps down as Rajasthan Royals head coach
Rahul Dravid has left the Rajasthan Royals den ahead of IPL 2026. The former RR player returned to the Royals as their head coach last year. However, the association lasted only one season, as Dravid has now stepped down from his role. Reports suggest that the franchise offered a 'broader' role to the former Indian head coach. However, Dravid opted against the evolved offer, choosing to move on from his position. Rajasthan Royals confirmed the update on Saturday, announcing the departure of Rahul Dravid before the next IPL season.
Rahul Dravid and Rajasthan Royals part ways ahead of IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals endured a disappointing run in IPL 2025. The one-time champions made some shocking calls ahead of the mega auction last season, releasing the likes of Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Meanwhile, the season saw RR dealing with the injury of Sanju Samson, who sat out due to a finger injury. On the playing front, the IPL 2022 runners-up fumbled chases, failing to finish off close games. With only 4 wins in 14 matches, RR concluded IPL 2025 at the ninth spot in the points table.
However, under the watch of Rahul Dravid, Rajasthan Royals witnessed the emergence of Vaibhav Suryavanshi on the scene. The 14-year-old took IPL 2025 by storm, filling in for an injured Samson as the opener for RR. The youngster smashed a 35-ball ton against Gujarat Titans, scoring the second-fastest century in the history of the IPL.
As for Dravid, Rajasthan Royals clarified the terms behind the exit of the head coach ahead of the next IPL season. In their statement, the Royals disclosed that they had carried out a structural review within the franchise and offered Rahul Dravid an expanded role. Dravid, however, chose to decline the opportunity and bring his association with the inaugural IPL champions to a close.
“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,” the Royals said. “As part of the franchise structural review, Rahul had been offered a broader position at the franchise, but has chosen not to take this. The Rajasthan Royals, its players, and millions of fans worldwide extend heartfelt thanks to Rahul for his remarkable service to the franchise,” the statement added.
Back in September 2025, Dravid had taken charge of Rajasthan Royals as head coach on a multi-year deal. His connection with the franchise, though, dates much further back. Between 2011 and 2015, he represented the team across five seasons, leading the side in 2012 and 2013 before moving into a mentoring role for the following two years.
Official Statement pic.twitter.com/qyHYVLVewz
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 30, 2025
While Dravid's exit has been confirmed, RR is reportedly bracing for another jolt. Long-time skipper Sanju Samson has already communicated his desire to leave the RR camp ahead of IPL 2026. IPL 2025 was filled with speculations of a rift between Samson and Dravid as the skipper struggled to get going amid injury concerns. Rahul Dravid dismissed the rumors later, while Samson thanked the former head coach for nurturing his growth in the camp. However, Samson has made up his mind, reportedly demanding a release from the franchise ahead of IPL 2026.
