By Krishna Dua 
Rahul Dravid Quits as Rajasthan Royals Coach Ahead of IPL 2026
In a significant and surprising development that has sent ripples across the Indian Premier League (IPL) landscape, legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid has officially resigned from his position as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals. The announcement, made by the franchise on Saturday, August 30, 2025, marks the end of his second stint with the Royals, which lasted for less than a year. His departure comes on the heels of a disappointing performance in the IPL 2025 season, where the team finished a dismal ninth in the league standings.
The Rajasthan Royals, in a statement, confirmed Dravid’s decision to conclude his tenure. The franchise also revealed that as part of a recent “structural review,” a broader role within the organization had been offered to him, which he chose to decline. This decision signals a clear divergence in vision between the franchise and one of the most respected figures in world cricket. Dravid’s return to the Royals was seen as a full-circle moment, a homecoming that was meant to restore the team to its former glory. Instead, it has ended abruptly, leaving the franchise in a state of uncertainty just months before the IPL 2026 mega auction.
A Season of Disappointment and Unrest
The reasons for Rahul Dravid’s resignation are multifaceted, but they are undoubtedly linked to the team’s poor showing in the IPL 2025 season. Despite a formidable squad on paper, featuring star players like Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and overseas talents like Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer, the Rajasthan Royals failed to click as a cohesive unit. The team managed only four wins out of fourteen league stage matches, a performance that fell far short of the high expectations of both fans and management.
The season was also marred by whispers of internal unrest. Reports emerged in July that captain Sanju Samson had expressed a desire to be traded to another franchise. While this was never officially confirmed by either Samson or the Royals, the rumors added to the sense of turmoil surrounding the team. The timing of Dravid’s exit, amid these reports, has led to speculation about deeper fissures within the team’s leadership and management. The fact that Dravid, known for his commitment to team culture and values, would walk away from a franchise he has a long history with, suggests that the issues were significant and irreconcilable with his coaching philosophy.
The poor on-field results likely served as a catalyst for a more comprehensive “structural review” by the franchise. This review, and the new direction it pointed towards, seems to be the primary reason behind Dravid’s decision to decline the broader role offered to him. Dravid’s coaching style is known for its focus on long-term development, building a strong team culture, and giving players the freedom to express themselves. It is possible that the franchise, in its desire for immediate results, opted for a more aggressive or different approach that did not align with Dravid’s principles.
The Enduring Legacy of “The Wall”
Even though his second stint as head coach was short and less than ideal in terms of results, Rahul Dravid’s legacy with the Rajasthan Royals is undeniable and will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the franchise’s history. He first joined the team as a player in 2011, taking over the captaincy in 2012. Under his leadership, the Royals enjoyed some of their most successful periods, reaching the playoffs in IPL 2013 and the Champions League T20 final in the same year.
After retiring as a player, Dravid transitioned into a mentoring role for the team, where he played a crucial part in nurturing young Indian talent. Players like Sanju Samson, who made his IPL debut under Dravid in 2013, Ajinkya Rahane, and the remarkable Pravin Tambe, who made his IPL debut at the age of 41, all flourished under his guidance. Dravid’s emphasis on discipline, hard work, and building a strong team culture left an “indelible mark” on the franchise, as acknowledged by the team in their official statement. His return in 2025 was a nod to his enduring influence and his deep-rooted connection with the Royals, even a decade after his last formal association.
The Road Ahead for Rajasthan Royals
With Dravid’s departure, the Rajasthan Royals are now in a precarious position as they prepare for a major restructuring ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction. The franchise will be on the lookout for a new head coach who can not only lead the team but also align with the team’s new vision. The search for a suitable candidate will be a high-stakes affair, with reports suggesting that the management is looking at both international and Indian coaching options.
The coaching change is just one piece of the puzzle. The future of key players, particularly captain Sanju Samson, also hangs in the balance. The rumored unrest and his desire to move to another franchise could lead to a major shake-up in the team’s core leadership. The Royals will have to make some difficult decisions about player retention and their overall strategy for the upcoming season, as they aim to put the disappointing 2025 season behind them and start afresh.
The new head coach will face the daunting task of not only building a new squad but also instilling a fresh sense of confidence and belief in the team. They will have to navigate the high-pressure environment of the IPL, where patience is often a luxury. The franchise, in its search for a new leader, will be looking for someone with a proven track record, a clear vision, and the ability to handle the complexities of managing a high-profile T20 franchise.
What’s Next for Rahul Dravid?
For Rahul Dravid, the resignation from his coaching role at the Rajasthan Royals opens a new set of possibilities. After a long and demanding tenure as the head coach of the Indian national team, where he led the team to victory in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, followed by a high-pressure IPL season, he might opt for a well-deserved break.
However, given his reputation as one of the finest cricketing minds, it is highly unlikely that he will be out of the cricketing ecosystem for long. He could return to a developmental role, perhaps at the National Cricket Academy, where he has previously served as the Head of Cricket. He may also consider taking up a commentary or a mentorship role, where his deep knowledge and insights would be invaluable. Whatever his next move, Dravid’s influence on the game, as a player, coach, and mentor, will continue to shape the next generation of cricketers.
Conclusion
Rahul Dravid’s resignation as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals is a somber end to a highly anticipated return. While his second stint was short and unsuccessful in terms of on-field results, his legacy with the franchise is deeply etched in its history and culture. His departure signals a new era for the Rajasthan Royals, one of immense challenges and opportunities as they embark on a significant rebuild ahead of the IPL 2026 season. For fans of the franchise, this is a moment of reflection and a hope that the team can find a new leader who can steer them to glory. For Rahul Dravid, it marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, and the cricketing world will be watching with great interest to see what the legendary “Wall” does next