Rajasthan Royals confirm Rahul Dravid’s exit; broader role declined

Former Team India cricketer and head coach Rahul Dravid is no longer the head coach of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the 2026 season. The franchise announced the news on social media on August 30, 2025. In their statement, they also mentioned that Dravid was offered a broader role within the franchise structure, but he chose not to accept it.

The statement read: “Rajasthan Royals today announced that head coach Rahul Dravid will conclude his tenure with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026. 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 incredible mark on the culture of the franchise. 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.”

Dravid’s association with RR goes back a long way. He first served the team as a player from 2011 to 2013, before becoming team director and mentor in 2014 and 2015. Ahead of the 2025 season, he returned to the Royals as head coach.

As India’s head coach, Dravid guided the national team to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup at home, where they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Australia. However, in 2024, under his guidance, India lifted their second ICC T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa in the final. After his tenure with the national side ended, he joined RR as head coach with high expectations surrounding his return.

But RR endured a disappointing campaign in IPL 2025, finishing ninth on the table with just four wins from 14 matches. With Dravid stepping away, the focus now shifts to who the Royals will appoint as their new head coach as they aim for a turnaround in IPL 2026.

For Dravid, it will also be interesting to see whether another IPL franchise approaches him for a coaching role in the future.

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