Rahul Dravid Parts Ways With Rajasthan Royals After One Season: What Went Wrong, What’s Next

Rahul Dravid’s second innings with Rajasthan Royals (RR) has ended after just one IPL season. The franchise confirmed that while Dravid was offered a broader role as part of a structural review after IPL 2025, he chose not to take it and will conclude his tenure ahead of IPL 2026. The decision comes on the back of RR’s 9th-place finish this year, their poorest campaign since 2021.

RR's Announcement

• RR said Dravid was central to their journey, shaping culture and values during multiple stints across roles.

• As part of a post-season review, RR offered him a “broader position,” which he declined.

• Dravid exits despite a multi-year deal, underlining the scale of the reset RR are planning before the next cycle.

• The official note thanked him for his service and long association with the franchise.

Season In Review: Why RR Hit Reset

RR started IPL 2025 with high expectations after retaining a strong core: Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Shimron Hetmyer. Dravid led auction strategy and retention, but the season unraveled with:

• Injuries to key personnel at crucial times

• Multiple narrow defeats where finishing let them down

• Inconsistent returns from seniors and lack of depth in certain roles

The result: 4 wins in 14 matches, 9th place, and a full review of strategy and structure.

Sanju Samson's Depature

Adding to the churn, captain Sanju Samson has formally asked to be released or traded ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. RR haven’t taken a final call, but such a move—if it goes through—would signal a deep rebuild. Reports suggest unhappiness over batting role/positioning and broader team direction, though both sides have stayed officially measured.

Dravid and RR: Relationship Over the Years

• Player (2011-2013): Captained RR and led them to the CLT20 final in 2013.

• Mentor/Director (2014-15): Oversaw player development, synonymous with RR’s youth pathway.

• Head Coach (2025): Returned after India head-coach tenure, but the season fell short of expectations.

Despite the tough 2025 campaign, RR credits Dravid with strengthening dressing-room standards and nurturing youngsters. His departure, however, leaves a big vacancy at the top.

Coaching Changes: What It Means For IPL 2026

• RR now join KKR among teams without a head coach for 2026. Chandrakant Pandit left KKR earlier this month.

• LSG are already reshaping their support staff, bringing in Bharat Arun as bowling consultant.

• RR still have a solid coaching spine: Kumar Sangakkara (Director of Cricket), Vikram Rathour (Batting Coach), and Shane Bond (Bowling Coach). A new head coach must mesh seamlessly with this setup.

What Next For RR?

• Decide on captaincy: If Samson is traded/released, RR must identify a leader who fits the rebuild.

• Reassess auction and retention: 2025’s narrow losses flagged finishing and depth gaps—expect targeted recruitment.

• Appoint a head coach aligned with Sangakkara’s overarching vision and RR’s youth-first culture.

What Next For Dravid?

Dravid has declined a wider backroom role at RR. Given his track record—with India, NCA, and IPL—he remains a prime candidate for:

• High-performance leadership roles (franchise or national)

• Strategic advisory positions across T20 leagues

• Development pathways, where his NCA experience is invaluable

Big Picture: RR’s Identity Call

RR’s 2022 runners-up finish showed their ceiling. But 2025 highlighted structural fragility under pressure. Dravid’s exit and Samson’s request force a decisive identity call: a focused rebuild around a fresh leader and a coach who can convert narrow losses into clinical wins.