Rajasthan Royals have confirmed that head coach Rahul Dravid will not continue with the franchise ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing an abrupt end to his second stint with the team.
In an official release, the franchise revealed that Dravid, who was appointed on September 6, 2024, on a multi-year contract, had been offered a broader role following a recent structural review, but chose to decline.
“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 structural review, he had been offered a broader position but chose not to take this. The Rajasthan Royals, its players, and millions of fans worldwide extend heartfelt thanks to Rahul for his remarkable service,” the statement read.
Dravid had previously been a cornerstone for the Royals between 2011 and 2015, first as captain and later as mentor. He returned last year fresh off guiding India to a T20 World Cup title, rekindling hopes of turning around the franchise’s fortunes. However, his comeback proved short-lived.
The Royals endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing ninth on the points table with just four wins in 14 matches, repeatedly squandering strong positions. Dravid, too, had a challenging season, coaching largely from a wheelchair after sustaining a foot injury in a club match in Bengaluru.
With Dravid stepping aside, the Royals are now at a crossroads. The franchise may either bring in a fresh face as head coach or hand the reins back to Kumar Sangakkara, who was elevated to Director of Cricket when Dravid was appointed.
The Royals, champions in the IPL’s inaugural season in 2008, continue their search for a second title, and the next appointment could prove pivotal ahead of IPL 2026.
