Rahul Dravid steps down as Rajasthan Royals head coach; Know why

Dravid was appointed the head coach of Rajasthan Royals in September 2023 after leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup. Rahul Dravid has a long association with Rajasthan Royals, he has also been the captain of this team before and led the team in 2012-2013.

New Delhi: Rahul Dravid has decided to part ways with the team after completing his one-year tenure as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals. Rajasthan Royals have confirmed through social media that Dravid's association with the franchise has ended ahead of IPL 2026.

Dravid was appointed the head coach of Rajasthan Royals in September 2023 after leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup. Rahul Dravid has a long association with Rajasthan Royals, he has also been the captain of this team before and led the team in 2012-2013. After this, he was also the mentor of the team in 2014-2015. In 2016, he joined Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), but then joined the Rajasthan team again, although his association lasted less than a year.

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Rajasthan Royals performance in IPL 2025 was disappointing, the team could not qualify for the playoffs. The team finished ninth with only four wins and ten losses in 14 matches. Rajasthan has won the IPL title only once so far, in 2008, when they defeated Chennai Super Kings under the captaincy of Shane Warne.

Rajasthan Royals also informed that the franchise had offered a bigger position to Dravid, but he did not accept it. The franchise, players and fans have expressed gratitude to Rahul Dravid for his great services to the team.

Dravid rejected Rajasthan Royals' Offer

Rajasthan Royals issued a statement saying that the franchise had offered Dravid to continue as coach, but this veteran of Team India rejected the franchise's offer.

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The franchise said, "Rajasthan Royals announces that head coach Rahul Dravid has completed his tenure ahead of IPL 2026. Dravid has been an important part of the Royals' journey for many years. His leadership has left an impact on many players. Rahul was offered a bigger position in the franchise as part of the franchise structural review, but he has decided not to accept it. Rajasthan Royals, its players and millions of fans around the world thank Rahul for his remarkable service to the franchise."