Rahul Dravid quits as Rajasthan Royals head coach ahead of IPL 2026. The announcement shocked many cricket fans. On August 30, 2025, the franchise confirmed the news. Dravid joined the Royals back in September 2024. Yet, his stint ended in less than a year.
The Rajasthan Royals faced quite a challenging season in 2025. The team managed to win only four out of 14 matches. As a result, they finished in the ninth spot on the points table. This was their worst performance since 2022. The disappointing results forced the management to think about big changes.
After a tough season, the Royals kicked off a thorough review of their structure. They wanted to set a new direction for the future. During this process, the management offered Dravid a strategic role. It was not about day-to-day coaching but about long-term planning. However, Dravid turned down the offer. He decided it was better to step away completely.
Around the same time, rumours about captain Sanju Samson also came up. Reports suggested he was unhappy and might seek a release from the team. This added to the uncertainty inside the camp. Fans started questioning the stability of the Royals as IPL 2026 approached.
Dravid’s departure is quite a big deal, especially considering his deep connection with the franchise. He was a player for the Rajasthan Royals from 2011 to 2013, and then he took on roles as a mentor and team director in 2014 and 2015. His comeback in 2024 as head coach was seen as a reunion. Many believed his calm style and vast experience would lift the team. Unfortunately, the results did not match the expectations.
Even though the season was poor, the Royals management praised Dravid. They said his leadership influenced young players. He also helped in building strong values and discipline inside the squad. His impact, according to the franchise, will be remembered even after his exit.
Now, Rajasthan Royals must quickly plan for the future. A new coach is expected to be appointed before the IPL 2026 auction. The team will also have to sort out the captaincy situation. Stability will be important if they want to bounce back strongly next year.
As for Rahul Dravid, his next step is not yet clear. He has already worked as India’s head coach and held several mentoring roles. He might take a short break before deciding on his future. However, many cricket experts believe Dravid will continue to play a key role in Indian cricket in some capacity.
In the end, Rahul Dravid quits as Rajasthan Royals head coach after a brief but significant second term with the team. His decision marks a turning point for the team. As IPL 2026 approaches, fans will watch closely to see how the Royals rebuild and who steps in as the new head coach.
