In a completely shocking development, Rajasthan Royals (RR) has decided to participate with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with head coach Rahul Dravid.
Rahul Dravid’s departure from Rajasthan Royals (RR) comes amidst the dispute around Sanju Samson, who is allegedly ready to leave the franchise.
Also Read: Sanju Samson’s CSK deal was closed !! IPL auction becomes the final option
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Head coach Rahul Dravid will conclude his term with franchise – Rajasthan Royals
In an official statement, Rajasthan Royals said that Rahul Dravid would conclude his term with franchise before IPL 2026.
RR also revealed that Dravid was offered a “comprehensive position” in the franchise, but he refused to take that role.
“Rajasthan Royals announced today that head coach Rahul Dravid will conclude his term with franchise before IPL 2026.
“Rahul is central for the visit of Royals over the years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, built strong values within the team, and left an indelible impression on the culture of franchise.
“Rahul was offered a wide place in the franchise as part of the franchise structural review, but has not chosen to take it.
RR said in an official statement, “Rajasthan Royals, its players, and millions of fans worldwide thanked Rahul for their remarkable service for the franchise.”
Government statement pic.twitter.com/qyhyvlvewz
– Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 30, 2025
Dravid joined RR in September 2024 as head coach
In the first week of September 2024, Rajasthan Royals (RR) officially declared Rahul Dravid as his new head coach.
The Indian legend signed a multi-year-old agreement with RR as he felt that ICC is the right time for him to take a new challenge after men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Triumph.
This was a much awaited comeback of Rahul Dravid in Rajasthan Royals as he has been involved in the franchise for a long time.
Dravid captained Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2012 and 2013 before being nominated as the team’s patron in 2014 and 2015.
Although Dravid was happy to return to a franchise called ‘Home’, the team’s performance became very poor in IPL 2025. He finished ninth on the points table with just four wins in 14 matches and eight points.
What is Sanju Samson drama?
According to several media reports, superstar wicketkeeper-batsman and RR captain Sanju Samson has asked the franchise for his release.
Reports claimed that there were ‘serious differences’ between Sanju Samson and RR team management, which formally asked the Kerala star to trade or leave the Rajasthan Royals.
Sanju Samson, who signed the INR 18 crore deal with RR in the IPL 2025 mega auction, is the most shaken player in history for Rajasthan Royals with 155 games under his belt. He has scored 3002 runs for the team at an average of 31.96 and a strike rate of 140.53.
