On August 30, 2025, the Rajasthan Royals announced that Rahul Dravid, their head coach, had stepped down from the role after one season. The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise offered Dravid, aged 52, a broader position following a structural review, but the former Indian captain declined.
The Rajasthan Royals confirmed that Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach will end ahead of IPL 2026. Dravid returned to the franchise in 2025, but the team struggled, finishing ninth in the 10-team IPL table and missing the playoffs. Despite the offer of an expanded role, Dravid chose to step away, marking the end of his latest chapter with the inaugural IPL champions.
Rahul Dravid’s history with the Rajasthan Royals spans over a decade. He joined the team as a player in 2011, captaining it in 2012 and 2013. Later, he served as team director in 2014 and mentor in 2015. The franchise praised his impact, stating, “Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey. His leadership shaped players, built strong values, and left a lasting mark on our culture.”
Dravid’s Illustrious Career
A batting legend, Dravid scored 13,288 runs in 164 Test matches, retiring in 2012. Known as “The Wall,” he also amassed 10,889 ODI runs, per ESPNcricinfo. Before rejoining the Royals, Dravid coached India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, cementing his reputation as a transformative leader. His exit from Rajasthan follows a challenging season, during which the team won only 5 of 14 matches, according to Cricbuzz.
Dravid’s departure leaves the Royals at a crossroads. The team’s poor IPL 2025 performance, coupled with his exit, may prompt a strategic overhaul. Fans expressed disappointment. The franchise now faces the task of finding a new coach to rebuild for IPL 2026.
The IPL remains a global cricket powerhouse, with franchises like Rajasthan Royals drawing millions of viewers. Dravid’s exit aligns with other coaching changes in 2025, as teams like the Chennai Super Kings also reshuffled staff, per India Today. His legacy, however, ensures his influence will endure, both with the Royals and in Indian cricket.
