Former Team India batter Rahul Dravid has stepped down as head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2026. The former captain has decided not to take on an expanded role within the franchise, and both sides have mutually agreed, as the team confirmed in an official statement on social media.
Dravid, who has been a key figure in the Royals’ journey for many years, took charge as head coach of the Royals following the T20 World Cup. He appointed Vikram Rathour as the team’s batting coach. However, the franchise struggled after a disappointing auction and finished ninth in the points table.
Rahul Dravid’s Journey with Rajasthan Royals Across Multiple Roles
Rahul Dravid was associated with the Rajasthan Royals in multiple roles over more than a decade. He began as a top-order batsman and captain from 2011 to 2013, scoring over 1,300 runs. The batter also led the team to the IPL playoffs and the Champions League T20 final in 2013.
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After retiring, Dravid served as a mentor from 2014 to 2015. He later coached India’s U-19, ‘A’, and senior men’s teams before returning to RR as head coach in September 2024 on a multi-year contract.
The veteran cricketer had a difficult outing in his first season as head coach, with the Royals struggling throughout the campaign. They managed just four wins from ten matches and ended the season in ninth place on the points table.
Rajasthan Royals Have to Appoint New Head Coach After Dravid’s Exit
The Rajasthan Royals have to find a new head coach with Dravid stepping away. It remains uncertain whether Kumar Sangakkara will resume coaching duties as he did from 2022 to 2024 while continuing as the franchise’s Director of Cricket.
Meanwhile, skipper Sanju Samson’s future has become the biggest talking point. According to reports, he is unhappy with his batting position and decisions like Jos Buttler’s release. Samson also missed a few games in IPL 2025 due to injury, which further fueled chatter of a rift with Dravid.
Samson might reconsider his decision, or Rajasthan may start fresh in the IPL after Dravid left. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have expressed interest in signing Samson.
Fans React on Twitter as Rahul Dravid and Rajasthan Royals Part Ways
Fans on social media platforms shared mixed reactions on Rahul Dravid and the Rajasthan Royals parting ways ahead of IPL 2026.
Rahul Dravid leaves RR. Does this mean Sanju is staying?👀
— Bro Sports (@thebrosports) August 30, 2025
Removing Rahul Dravid can solve Rajasthan Royals problem for some time only
Next Year Yashasvi Jaiswal will ask for captaincy too and their vice Captain is Riyan Parag 😂
— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) August 30, 2025
🚨Does this say, Royals prioritised Sanju Samson over Rahul Dravid ?!!..
End of Sanju – trade saga ?!! pic.twitter.com/qvnfRl8tdG
— TheXReplier (@ReplySensei) August 30, 2025
RR had to choose between Rahul Dravid and Sanju, theyve chosen Sanju Samson. End of the trade stories, Sanju will stay. https://t.co/ok9CjEeSFu
— Sergio (@SergioCSKK) August 30, 2025
Maybe, the only redeeming move Rahul Dravid made at RR was bringing Vaibhav Suryavanshi to the global stage. 🫡 @rajasthanroyals
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) August 30, 2025
From the resignation of Rahul Dravid it is clear that #SanjuSamson & Dravid had differences and they clearly couldnt work together.I think RR has persuaded Sanju to stay and in the process sacrificed Dravid..Now that Dravid is free I want #KKR to rope in #Dravid as the head coach pic.twitter.com/nD0soGUWsl
— Cover Drive (@day6596) August 30, 2025
RR – Removed Rahul Dravid after one bad season
LSG – Removed Zaheer Khan after one bad season
C’mon KKR… Show some seriousness‼️ pic.twitter.com/2C47N14REd
— Swapnil Vats (@iamswapnilvats) August 30, 2025
With no Rahul Dravid at RR, can we see the reunion of this legendary duo?
Please, @mipaltan 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PfRk8hrywE
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) August 30, 2025
So its clear that it was Rahul vs Sanju and and Rajasthan Royals chose Sanju Samson over Rahul Dravid, maybe Sanga to return back! https://t.co/mQKszUgx16
— Karan (@singhkaran29) August 30, 2025
🚨Does this say, Royals prioritised Sanju Samson over Rahul Dravid ?!!..
End of Sanju – trade saga ?!! pic.twitter.com/qvnfRl8tdG
— TheXReplier (@ReplySensei) August 30, 2025
I know Samson is behind Dravid’s sacking, but I can’t prove it pic.twitter.com/ud2cO9WjAg https://t.co/xPY071sDDA
— Sai (@akakrcb6) August 30, 2025
Also read: Suresh Raina on CSK radar!! To join MS Dhoni in his last IPL season
