In a turn of events, Rajasthan Royals Head Coach Rahul Dravid has decided to part ways with the team after an average outing in IPL 2025. His exit was officially confirmed on the Rajasthan Royals’ Twitter handle.
Dravid was appointed as the Royals’ head coach ahead of IPL 2025. He joined the team with a huge reputation and high expectations, having recently led India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. At the mega auction, the Royals built a decent squad under his guidance.
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A Season of Lows and Locker Room Tension
However, just before the start of the season, Dravid suffered a leg injury. Due to its severity, he had to remain with the team in a wheelchair throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, the Royals endured a rough start to the Dravid era, losing consecutive matches. The absence of captain Sanju Samson, who missed the first few games due to injury, only made things more difficult.
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As the season progressed, the team's form didn’t improve. On the field, the Royals struggled to deliver results. Off the field, reports suggested that Dravid and Sanju Samson had differences of opinion on several matters. The season ended in disappointment, with the team finishing 9th on the table, managing just four wins.
With only a few months left before the mini auction and the trade window now open, the Rajasthan Royals have confirmed that Dravid will be stepping down as head coach.
Dear Royals Family,
We would like to inform you that Head Coach Rahul Dravid will conclude his tenure with the Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026. Rahul has played a central role in the journey of the Royals for many years. His leadership has shaped a generation of players, instilled strong values within the squad, and left a lasting impact on the culture of the franchise.
Dravid Declines New Role, Leaves Legacy of Youth
Notably, in the same statement, the franchise mentioned that Dravid was offered a broader role within the organization, but he chose not to accept it.
Despite the disappointing results on paper, Dravid focused on building a core group of young players with long-term potential. He backed Riyan Parag as captain and continued to show faith in a 14-year-old talent, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, giving him consistent chances throughout the season. In doing so, Dravid ensured he left a lasting mark on the future of the team.
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