In a somewhat unexpected development, Rajasthan Royals (RR) manager Rahul Dravid has relinquished his role just after concluding one Indian Premier League season with the team. Dravid, who was designated as the chief coach before IPL 2025, passed on a more extensive position presented by the squad’s higher-ups and will depart before IPL 2026.
Rahul Dravid steps down as Rajasthan Royals coach after just one IPL season
The official statement by the team affirmed that head coach Dravid will bring his time with the franchise to a close before IPL 2026. Rahul has been integral to the Royals’ story for a considerable time. His influence has touched numerous players, encouraged solid principles within the group, and notably shaped the identity of the team. In line with the team’s organizational reevaluation, Rahul was proposed a wider-ranging role at the squad, but has opted not to accept it. The Rajasthan Royals, their athletes, and countless supporters worldwide offer sincere gratitude to Rahul for his notable input to the franchise.
“Head coach Rahul Dravid will conclude his tenure with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026. Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey for many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, instilled 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 Rajasthan Royals, its players, and millions of fans worldwide extend heartfelt thanks to Rahul for his remarkable service to the franchise,” the official statement mentioned.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Decision of Rahul Dravid stepping down as a head coach of #RajasthanRoyals just after 1 season will only fuel the on going speculations about the differences between #SanjuSamson and the management. Will this resolved the issue and keep #Samson at #RR#IPL2026#IPLretentions#IPL pic.twitter.com/3EAEjAAaPT
— Sports Monk (@sportsmonk8) August 30, 2025
1. Dravid came in 2025 as RR Coach.
2. Made RR worse after wonderful 3 years.
3. And now stepped down as coach.
Why??— gs.chauhan (@Gajendersingh_) August 30, 2025
🚨 RAHUL DRAVID STEP DOWN AS RAJASTHAN ROYALS HEAD COACH 🚨 pic.twitter.com/ErQeyJUMxr
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 30, 2025
Dravid isn’t head coach anymore 😭😭pic.twitter.com/80oJpfWiYF
— AdityaRRaj (@RR_for_LIFE) August 30, 2025
Thank you, Rahul Dravid Sir.#IPL2025 #IPL #CSK #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/KkKxxNbei1
— MSDian™ (@ItzThanesh) August 30, 2025
-RR post a reel with caption Saju Samson (C)
-Today Rahul Dravid part ways with RR
Imo looks like it’s 99% sure Sanju staying back at RR, so who else is leaving?? Jaiswal? Parag? #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/Gx9QKThjrv
— Navneet 🚩 (@MSDian067) August 30, 2025
RR had to choose between Rahul Dravid and Sanju, theyve chosen Sanju Samson. End of the trade stories, Sanju will stay. https://t.co/ok9CjEeSFu
— Sergio (@SergioCSKK) August 30, 2025
Rahul Dravid. 💔
After just one year on his return to the Royals family, he has decided to step down as the Head Coach. I think maybe due to the poor performance in the last season. Wasn’t expecting this though.
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) August 30, 2025
what is just going on Rajasthan Royals camp. #RahulDravid
— Ben Stokes Fan Club (@KaFavourite) August 30, 2025
🚨 NEWS ALERT 🚨
– Rahul Dravid has quit as head coach of Rajasthan Royals 🏏#RahulDravid #rajasthanroyals #IPL #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/rln5ULUAOP
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 30, 2025
Also LOOK: Fans give emotional responses as Ravichandran Ashwin makes public his IPL retirement
A dismal outing for RR in the IPL 2025
IPL 2025 journey, with coach Rahul Dravid at the helm, concluded with marked dissatisfaction. A season that commenced encouragingly was tragically disturbed by an in-season injury to their influential team leader, Sanju Samson. His nonattendance resulted in a void the squad just could not overcome. The Royals repeatedly found it hard to sustain drive, dropping a succession of significant, intense games in the concluding segments. Their failure to secure victories defined a poor display they will keenly want to move on from. The squad ultimately ended up at the ninth spot.
Also LOOK: CSK provides clarity about Dewald Brevis contract amidst questions about misuse of IPL guidelines