Former Team India Batter Rahul Dravid has ventured as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR) before IPL 2026. The former captain has decided not to play an extended role within the franchise, and both sides have mutually agreed, as the team confirmed in an official statement on social media.
Dravid, who has been an important person in Royals’ visit for many years, took over as the head coach of the Royals after the T20 World Cup. He appointed Vikram Rathore as the team’s batting coach. However, the franchise struggles after a disappointing auction and finished ninth in the points table.
Rahul Dravid’s visit with Rajasthan Royals in many roles
Rahul Dravid was associated with Rajasthan Royals in many roles for more than a decade. He started from 2011 to 2013 as a top -order batsman and captain, scoring more than 1,300 runs. The batsman also led the team in 2013 in the IPL Playoff and Champions League T20 finals.
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After retiring, Dravid served as a patron from 2014 to 2015. He later coached India’s Under -19, ‘A’ and senior men teams before returning to RR in September 2024 on a multi -year contract in September 2024.
The legendary cricketer made a difficult outing as the head coach in his first season, in which Royals were struggling throughout the campaign. He managed only four of the ten matches and finished the season ninth on the points table.
Rajasthan Royals will have to appoint new head coach after Dravid’s exit
Rajasthan Royals will have to find a new head coach with Dravid. It is uncertain whether Kumar Sangakkara would resume coaching duties, as he continued as a director of the franchise of cricket from 2022 to 2024.
Meanwhile, the future of captain Sanju Samson is talking the biggest talk. According to reports, he is unhappy with the decisions like his batting position and the release of Jose Butler. Samson also recalled some games in IPL 2025 due to injury, which further enhanced a rift with Dravid.
Samson can reconsider his decision, or start fresh after Dravid’s departure in Rajasthan IPL. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have expressed interest in signing Samson.
Fans react on Twitter as Rahul Dravid and Rajasthan Royals
Fans of social media platforms shared mixed reactions on Rahul Dravid and Rajasthan Royals, which are added before IPL 2026.
Rahul Dravid leaves RR. Does this mean Sanju living?
– Bro Sports (@Thebrosports) August 30, 2025
Removing Rahul Dravid can only solve the problem of Rajasthan Royals for some time.
Next year Yashasvi Jaiswal will also ask for captaincy and his Vice Captain Ryan is a pollen.
– Afreet India Sama Sama (@KKRWERULE) August 30, 2025
It says, Royals prioritize Sanju Samson on Rahul Dravid? , ,
End of Sanju – Business Saga? , pic.twitter.com/qvnfrl8tdg
– Thexreplier (@REPLYSENSEI) August 30, 2025
RR was to be selected between Rahul Dravid and Sanju, he chose Sanju Samson. The end of business stories will remain Sanju. https://t.co/ok9cjeesfu
– Sergio (@sergiocskk) August 30, 2025
Maybe, the only redeeming made in RR Rahul Dravid was bringing Vaishwas Suryavanshi on the global stage. @rajasthanroyals
– Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) August 30, 2025
It is clear from Rahul Dravid’s resignation that #Sanjusamson & Dravid had differences and they could not work together clearly. I think RR has persuaded Sanju to live and sacrificed in this process. #KKR Rope #Dravid As head coach pic.twitter.com/nd0soguwsl
– Cover Drive (@Day 6596) August 30, 2025
RR – Rahul Dravid removed after a bad weather
LSG – Removes Zaheer Khan after a bad weather
C’Mon Kkr … Show some seriousness pic.twitter.com/2c47n14red
– Swapnil Vats (@IAMSWAPNILVATS) August 30, 2025
In RR, with no Rahul Dravid, can we see the reunion of this mythical pair?
Please, @Mipaltan pic.twitter.com/pfrk8hrywe
– Sameer Allana (@Hitmancrick) August 30, 2025
So it is clear that this Rahul vs Sanju and Rajasthan Royals chose Sanju Samson on Rahul Dravid, perhaps to return to Sanga! https://t.co/mqkszugx16
– Karan (@Singhkaran29) August 30, 2025
It says, Royals prioritize Sanju Samson on Rahul Dravid? , ,
End of Sanju – Business Saga? , pic.twitter.com/qvnfrl8tdg
– Thexreplier (@REPLYSENSEI) August 30, 2025
I know that Samson is behind Dravid’s dismissal, but I can’t prove it pic.twitter.com/ud2co9wjag https://t.co/XPY071SDA
– Sai (@akakrcb6) August 30, 2025
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