Rahul Dravid will not be the head coach of Rajasthan Royals next Season
Rajasthan Royals have officially announced that Rahul Dravid will no longer be their head coach, bringing an end to his recent stint with the Indian Premier League (IPL) team ahead of the 2026 season.
The decision comes after a challenging 2025 campaign that saw the Royals win just four of 14 matches and finish ninth on the table. For Rahul Dravid, it was a tough season personally as well, as he spent most of it recovering from a leg injury that left him wheelchair-bound after an accident he suffered during a club cricket match in Bengaluru.
In a bid to retain his expertise, the franchise recently offered the 52-year-old Dravid a wider strategic role in their management system. However, Dravid decided to stay away from it altogether, deciding not to take up the position.
The franchise said in a statement, “Rahul’s contribution to the Royals has been immense. His presence has shaped the team culture, mentored countless youngsters and inspired a sense of professionalism throughout the team. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him all the best for the future.”
Dravid’s second stint with the team begins in September 2024 and has raised a lot of expectations, especially since he recently led India to a historic T20 World Cup win. His return also brought back memories of his old association with the Royals between 2011 and 2015, when he served as both player and mentor.
With his departure, the first IPL champions now face the challenge of appointing new leadership ahead of the 2026 season. Although the management is yet to confirm their next move, Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara is being considered a strong candidate for the position.