Rajasthan Royals stunned everyone at the weekend by releasing a statement that Rahul Dravid as RR coach will resign before IPL 2026. The Indian great, who rejoined the franchise after a decade, had only just finished his first stint as Rajasthan Royals head coach. Fans were looking forward to a good comeback, given that Sanju Samson is at the helm of affairs, but the shocking news has cricket enthusiasts gossiping about the actual reasons for Dravid’s exit. The timing could not be more interesting with the mini-auction looming.
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RR’s Official Reason
Rajasthan Royals’ official communique quoted a “structural review” of the franchise as the reason behind Dravid’s exit. He was said to be offered a more extensive role at RR outside his current role as Rajasthan Royals head coach, but he turned down the offer.
Official Statement pic.twitter.com/qyHYVLVewz
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 30, 2025
The franchise thanked Rahul Dravid as RR coach for his services, appreciating how he can mould younger players and fortify team culture. Even though the tone in the announcement was friendly, most fans felt that the move for a greater role may not have been the promotion it seemed like, particularly since Dravid’s long association with RR was involved.
Speculation Surrounding Dravid’s Departure
Although the announced reason sounded simple enough, there is rampant speculation in cricket circles. Rumour has it that Rahul Dravid as coach of RR might have had a disagreement with the management on the future of Sanju Samson. The Royals’ skipper is said to be venturing out to other teams such as the Chennai Super Kings and the RCB. Some insiders suggest that the management had been planning a shake-up involving Samson, which has created tensions between the star player of the team and the coaching staff.
🚨 RAHUL DRAVID STEPPED DOWN AS RAJASTHAN ROYALS HEAD COACH. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/bHtRY99Kro
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 30, 2025
Fans are now speculating if Dravid’s resignation was indirectly related to these developments, which have fueled rumours that he might have been against the franchise’s ambitions for Sanju Samson. The fact that Rahul Dravid as RR coach became the centre of this rumour contributes to a new level of mystery surrounding the off-season.
Rajasthan Royals 2025 IPL Campaign
RR’s 2025 campaign was a story of close calls and unrealised prospects. The young Indian top-order batsmen of the team, which included Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag, displayed glimpses of brilliance but had no sustained support from the middle order and the bowlers.
Related Article：Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 Camp：New Faces, Big Ambitions
Rajasthan Royals failed as a chasing side, managing to win just once in eight attempts towards the end of the season and even in that triumph, it needed a miraculous effort from a 14-year-old debutant. Even as they posted totals exceeding 200 on more than one occasion, the Royals lost by thin margins, frequently victimised by world-class opposition bowling attacks, such as Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Andre Russell.
Your Men in Pink will return in 2026. 💗 pic.twitter.com/dhr1uEr2jo
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 21, 2025
The franchise’s choice to release Jos Buttler also stretched the lineup. Even though Samson, Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag contributed high-risk firepower, RR lacked the solidity propping up the middle order. Talented young players such as Vaibhav Suryavanshi provided the depth, but the side consistently ended just short through lapses in execution or strategy. Reverse-swing and death-over bowling exposed the weaknesses, and Shimron Hetmyer’s dropping strike rate towards the end of the innings showed the pressure on the batting group. RR management will have to improve both the bowling attack and middle-order strength in order to make the most out of their Indian batting core in IPL 2026.
Rahul Dravid’s Impact & Legacy
Rahul Dravid as coach of RR may not have had a great season, but he left his impression on the Rajasthan Royals team. RR ended ninth in IPL 2025, winning only four of 14 games, but Dravid’s influence ensured team morale. Having recently recovered from an accident, he was mostly wheelchair-bound during matches but was present for every game, guiding players and inculcating professionalism. His contributions went beyond strategy; he had an impact on the team’s work ethic and atmosphere, ensuring young talents received the guidance necessary to thrive under pressure.
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Most of his fans believe that his refusal to take the larger role presented by the franchise was more a matter of principle than career aspiration. For them, the so-called promotion is actually a veiled reprimand. In any case, Rahul Dravid as RR coach departs with a legacy of integrity, mentorship, and dedication, and the focus now returns to the unfolding drama surrounding Sanju Samson and the impending IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Who Would Succeed Rahul Dravid as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach?
With Rahul Dravid retiring as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals, the Franchise are now searching for a replacement who will bring back the fortune of the franchise and target their first IPL championship since 2008. A number of names have cropped up as viable contenders.
⭐️Cricbuzz Exclusive ⭐️
Rahul Dravid’s exit from Rajasthan Royals may look sudden.
But whispers had been growing for months: about the coach, the captain, and the direction of the team.
The full story 🧵 pic.twitter.com/f6Gf5NgPDQ
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) August 30, 2025
Chandrakant Pandit is a serial winner, having guided Madhya Pradesh to their first-ever Ranji Trophy in 2022 and then Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL championship in 2024 following a ten-year wait. His record of changing the fortunes of teams might make him an ideal choice to change things around for RR after their poor ninth-place finish under Dravid.
Your presence in Pink inspired both the young and the seasoned. 💗
Forever a Royal. Forever grateful. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/XT4kUkcqMa
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 30, 2025
Kumar Sangakkara, RR’s current cricket director, is the other frontrunner for the Rajasthan Royals head coach position. With four years of association with the franchise, he knows the team dynamics and expectations. Sangakkara was the head coach when RR went to the IPL final in 2022, and going back could provide continuity and mesh experience with strategic awareness.
