Rahul Dravid quits Rajasthan Royals amid Sanju Samson rumours and franchise’s structural review. Know the full story here. (Image Credit: India Today)
Rahul Dravid's unexpected departure as Rajasthan Royals head coach before IPL 2026 has triggered universal rumors, just a couple of months prior to the mini-auction. The iconic ex-India skipper, who stepped down from being the head coach of the national side, had returned to RR with much hope following the side's disappointing IPL 2025 season.
Rahul Dravid has been strongly associated with Rajasthan Royals for more than a decade. He was part of the team as a player in 2011 and the team captain in 2012 and 2013. He went on to be team director and mentor in 2014 and 2015. After India won the T20 World Cup and he left as national coach, Dravid became RR's head coach before IPL 2025.
Under his leadership, RR failed to find rhythm, ranking ninth in the IPL 2025 standings with just four wins from 14 games, their worst position since 2022. Despite spending most of the time on a wheelchair following an accident, Dravid attended all the games, offering guidance and leadership to the team.
The official communication of the franchise mentioned that there had been a "structural review" following which Dravid was offered a more general role in the team. However, he did not accept it.
"Head coach Rahul Dravid will finish his stint with the franchise before IPL 2026," the communication stated.
"Rahul has been at the heart of the Royals' run for several decades. His guidance has impacted a generation of cricketers, brought solidity in values to the team, and left an enduring impact on the franchise culture. As a part of the franchise's structure review, Rahul had been made an offer for a larger role within the franchise, but has decided not to accept this. The Rajasthan Royals, their players, and millions of fans across the globe wish to express warmest gratitude to Rahul for his outstanding contribution to the franchise."
This news has ignited speculation regarding the future direction of the team. Did RR desire to promote Dravid to a larger administrative position rather than coaching? Or was there hesitation to persist with him only as head coach?
The rumor mounts as RR's captain Sanju Samson is also believed to be looking to move away from the team. Family members of Samson have reportedly given quotes to the press, claiming that the captaincy of Samson for the future is uncertain. If Samson departs, RR would find themselves in a difficult situation mere months ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, having to rebuild leadership and team hierarchy.
Dravid's exit is an opportunity gap in leadership and guidance for a team traditionally famous for grooming young players. The timing, with the possibility of Samson's exit, results in an urgent need for forward planning prior to the following IPL season. RR management now have a critical decision: finding a coach who can stabilize the team while being consistent with the franchise's long-term vision.
As the mini-auction approaches, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see who takes over the reins and whether RR can restore its competitive edge after a disappointing IPL 2025.
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