Rahul Dravid Steps Down as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach Ahead of IPL 2026
New Delhi: In a major development ahead of IPL 2026, Rahul Dravid has resigned as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The franchise announced the decision on Saturday, noting that Dravid was offered a broader role within the team structure but chose not to accept it, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Dravid’s departure comes despite a multi-year contract and follows a comprehensive structural review after RR endured a disappointing IPL 2025 season. The Royals finished ninth on the points table—their worst performance since 2021—with just four wins in 14 matches.
“Head coach Rahul Dravid will conclude his tenure with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026,” the team statement said, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
“Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey for many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, instilled strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise,” it added.
“As part of the franchise’s structural review, Rahul was offered a broader role, but he has chosen not to take it. The Rajasthan Royals, its players, and millions of fans worldwide extend heartfelt thanks to Rahul for his remarkable service to the team,” the statement continued.
Dravid played a pivotal role in shaping RR’s auction strategy and player retentions for the new three-year IPL cycle. The franchise retained Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Shimron Hetmyer, hoping a settled core would deliver stronger results.
However, the 2025 season did not go as planned. Injuries to key players and struggles to close out tight matches cost the team dearly. Despite glimpses of brilliance from young talent, RR struggled to build momentum and find consistency.
Dravid’s exit marks the end of a long and storied association with the Royals. He first joined the franchise as a player in 2011, captaining the team in 2012 and 2013. He later served as team director and mentor in 2014 and 2015, helping shape RR’s philosophy of backing young Indian talent.
With Dravid stepping down, Rajasthan Royals join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as the only IPL franchises currently without a head coach ahead of IPL 2026. Last month, Chandrakant Pandit parted ways with KKR despite leading them to their first IPL title in a decade in 2024. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are also revamping their support staff, recently appointing B. Arun as their bowling consultant.
Currently, the Royals’ setup includes Kumar Sangakkara as Director of Cricket, Vikram Rathour as batting coach, and Shane Bond overseeing the bowling department.
RR, who famously won the inaugural IPL title in 2008, have struggled for consistency since. Their best finish in recent years came in 2022, when they ended as runners-up to the Gujarat Titans.
