Jaipur: In a significant development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, former India captain and legendary batsman Rahul Dravid has stepped down from his position as head coach of the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The announcement was made by the franchise on Saturday, bringing an end to a chapter that has been closely associated with both the Royals’ growth and Dravid’s unique influence on the league.
The decision comes in the wake of an internal structural review within the franchise. As part of the restructuring, Rajasthan Royals had extended an offer to Dravid for a broader role that went beyond day-to-day coaching responsibilities, likely focusing on talent development, strategic oversight, and long-term planning. However, Dravid chose not to take up the new assignment, signaling his desire to step away from the franchise altogether.
In an official statement, Rajasthan Royals acknowledged Dravid’s towering presence and enduring contribution to the team: “Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey over many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, built strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise. The Rajasthan Royals, its players, and millions of fans worldwide extend heartfelt thanks to Rahul for his remarkable service to the franchise.”
Dravid’s association with the Royals has been unique and deeply personal. He first joined the team as a player in the twilight of his career, leading the side with quiet authority, and later transitioned into the coaching setup, where his reputation as a mentor and nurturer of young talent was further solidified. Under his watch, the Royals retained their reputation as a team that prioritizes player development, discipline, and long-term values over short-term success.
However, the team’s on-field performance in IPL 2025 was a major disappointment. Rajasthan Royals managed to secure just four victories in ten matches, finishing eighth on the points table, narrowly ahead of Chennai Super Kings, who endured one of their worst campaigns. The underwhelming season is believed to have triggered the franchise’s decision to review its structure and reimagine its coaching setup in preparation for the next cycle.
For Dravid, this move may also represent a natural turning point. Having previously served as head coach of the Indian men’s national team, where he oversaw a transitional era, his exit from the Royals could give him the space to pursue other cricketing or personal commitments without the relentless pressures of franchise cricket. His decision to decline the expanded role suggests a preference for stepping back rather than deepening his involvement at a strategic level.
The departure marks the end of an era for Rajasthan Royals. Few coaches in IPL history have had the kind of impact that Dravid has had not necessarily in terms of trophies, but in shaping a culture rooted in resilience, integrity, and belief in youth development. His calm, process-driven approach influenced not just the Royals’ dressing room but also shaped the careers of several emerging cricketers who went on to make their mark in domestic and international cricket.
As the Royals prepare for a new phase, questions now turn to who will take over the mantle of head coach and how the franchise will navigate the post-Dravid era. With IPL 2026 looming, the challenge will be to balance the franchise’s tradition of fostering young talent with the competitive demands of a league that continues to grow in scale and intensity.
For fans, however, Dravid’s exit leaves a bittersweet taste. While many will lament the departure of a mentor whose values resonated deeply with the spirit of the Royals, there is also widespread gratitude for his contributions on and off the field that shaped the identity of the Jaipur-based franchise.