Rajasthan Royals and Rahul Dravid End Partnership After Coach Rejects Expanded Role

Rajasthan Royals have confirmed that they have parted ways with head coach Rahul Dravid ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League. Dravid's 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.

However, 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. Following the T20 World Cup, he was appointed head coach of the inaugural champions and brought in Vikram Rathour as batting coach, but the team could not convert that potential into success.

As part of a recent structural review, Dravid was offered a broader role within the franchise but chose not to take it up. He had first joined the Royals in 2024 as head coach after several mentoring stints post his playing career, earning praise for strengthening both the team's performance and culture.