Rahul Dravid Resigns as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach Ahead of IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals (RR) revealed on Saturday that Rahul Dravid resigned as head coach of the team prior to the IPL 2026 season.

Dravid had been chosen as RR's head coach last September on a multi-year contract, after the end of his three-year stint with the Indian team on the eve of the Men's T20 World Cup win in 2024.

The franchise, in a statement, said a recent structural review had offered Dravid a greater role, but the former captain and coach of India decided against it.

"Rahul has been at the heart of Royals' success over so many years. His leadership has inspired a generation of players, developed robust values within the team, and left an enduring legacy on the franchise's culture. The Rajasthan Royals, its players, and all the people who love the game all benefit from Rahul's outstanding service to the franchise," the statement continued.

Dravid had also led RR in the 2012 and 2013 editions of the IPL and was team mentor in 2014 and 2015. His comeback to the franchise before IPL 2025 had generated expectations of winning the team's second IPL title after their first in 2008.

But RR had a disastrous season, ending ninth on the table with only four victories from 14 league games. Regular skipper Sanju Samson appeared in just nine matches because of side strain, and Riyan Parag took over as stand-in skipper in his absence.

Dravid's second tenure with RR was less than one year as the franchise now looks to prepare for the 2026 season. His departure follows reports of internal discord and discontent within the team throughout IPL 2025, reports IANS.

The future, however, for Dravid's next move within the cricketing fraternity is still speculative. For RR, however, it is uncertain if Sanju Samson will remain with the team, particularly after July reports indicated that he was mulling over joining the auction or shifting to another team through a trade agreement.