Why Rahul Dravid leaves Rajasthan Royals before IPL 2026, know Inside story
On Saturday (August 30, 2025), Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) announced that Rahul Dravid will not continue as their head coach ahead of the IPL 2026.
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On Saturday (August 30, 2025), Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) announced that Rahul Dravid will not continue as their head coach ahead of the IPL 2026. Through a media release, the franchise informed that after a conversation, both parties decided to part ways. According to the franchise, they offered Rahul a more dynamic role, but he chose to step down rather than accept the new role. Thus, before the upcoming IPL season, the inaugural champion of the tournament will have to appoint a new coach to guide the troop.
"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. 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 statement read.
Dravid's second spell with Rajasthan Royals was underwhelming. The former India captain served the team between2011 and 2015 as player and coach before returning to the club for the IPL 2025 season right after winning the T20 World Cup title. But his comeback became short-lived as Dravid and Rajasthan Royals decided to separate.
Both had a tough time
Despite some promising matches and batting displays, as a team RR faced a tough season in 2025. His strategy during the mega auction was also under scrutiny. Ahead of the auction, they left multiple big names of world cricket and invested in some underrated talents. As a result, in 14 games they managed to win only four and finished as the ninth team of the points table.
For most of the season, Dravid was in a wheelchair because of a foot injury he received while playing a club cricket match in Bengaluru. The coach and the club, both sides, had a tough time in IPL 2025.
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