Rahul Dravid Steps Down as Rajasthan Royals Coach After Rejecting Expanded Role: IPL 2026 Shakeup

Rajasthan Royals confirmed that they have parted ways with Dravid ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League. His return to the franchise, which he had previously captained and coached, lasted less than a year after his appointment on 6 September 2024. The former Indian captain, who played 46 matches for the Royals, took charge following the conclusion of his tenure with the national team.

The 2025 IPL season proved disappointing. Under Dravid, Rajasthan managed just four wins from 14 matches, finishing ninth in the points table, ahead of only Chennai Super Kings on net run rate. Despite being appointed head coach after the T20 World Cup and bringing in Vikram Rathour as batting coach, the team could not convert their potential into results.

As part of a recent structural review, Dravid was offered a broader role within the franchise, but he chose not to take it. Having first joined the Royals in 2011 as a player, he captained the team in 2012 and 2013, later serving as team director and mentor in 2014 and 2015. After returning as head coach in 2024, he earned praise for strengthening both the team's performance and culture.