Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 30: Rahul Dravid has stepped down as head coach of the Rajasthan Royals, ending his brief second stint with the franchise ahead of the 2026 IPL season. The decision comes less than a year after he was appointed on a multi-year contract following his triumphant exit as India’s head coach after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The Royals confirmed Dravid’s departure in an official statement, revealing that he declined a broader role offered to him as part of the team’s recent structural review. “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 statement read, thanking Dravid for his contribution.
Dravid’s association with RR goes back over a decade — he captained the team in 2012 and 2013, mentored them in the following two seasons, and returned as head coach for the 2025 campaign. His comeback had raised hopes of reviving the Royals’ fortunes and ending their title drought since winning the inaugural IPL in 2008.
However, the 2025 season proved underwhelming. RR finished ninth on the table with just four wins from 14 matches. Injuries plagued the squad, notably to skipper Sanju Samson, who missed several games due to a side strain, leaving Riyan Parag to lead the team in his absence.
Sources suggest that internal unrest and differences within the RR setup during the season played a role in Dravid’s departure. His tenure, expected to usher in stability and long-term vision, ended abruptly as the franchise now looks to rebuild ahead of the 2026 season.
Dravid’s next move in the cricketing world remains to be seen, though speculation is already swirling about potential roles in national or global cricket setups. Meanwhile, the spotlight also turns to Sanju Samson, with reports indicating he may be seeking a move away from the franchise, either through a trade or the auction pool, raising more questions about the Royals' immediate future.