Rajasthan Royals have announced that head coach Rahul Dravid will be stepping down ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Dravid, who took on the role in September 2024, declined an offer for a broader position within the team’s structure following a tough IPL 2025 campaign where the Royals finished ninth out of 10 teams.
Dravid’s departure marks the end of a long association with the franchise, having first joined in 2011 as a player and later transitioning into various roles including captain, team director, and mentor. The team is now gearing up for the upcoming season and player mini auction with Dravid’s exit prompting a significant reset.
The franchise expressed gratitude for Dravid’s contribution, stating that his leadership has influenced a generation of players and left a lasting impact on the team’s culture. Amidst Dravid’s exit, there are also rumors of captain Sanju Samson considering leaving, adding to the uncertainty for the Royals just before the mini auction.
Dravid played a crucial role in shaping the team’s strategies for auctions and player retention, maintaining a strong Indian core with players like Samson, Jaiswal, Jurel, and Parag, along with overseas player Hetmyer.
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