In an unexpected turn of events, Rajasthan Royals (RR) coach Rahul Dravid has stepped down from his position just after completing a single IPL season with the franchise. Dravid, who was appointed as head coach ahead of IPL 2025, declined a broader role offered by the franchise management and will leave before IPL 2026.
Rahul Dravid steps down as Rajasthan Royals coach after just one IPL season
The press release by the franchise stated that head coach Dravid will conclude his tenure with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026. Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey for many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, instilled strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise. As part of the franchise structural review, Rahul had been offered a broader position at the franchise, but has chosen not to take this. The Rajasthan Royals, its players, and millions of fans worldwide extend heartfelt thanks to Rahul for his remarkable service to the franchise.
“Head coach Rahul Dravid will conclude his tenure with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026. Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey for many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, instilled strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise. As part of the franchise structural review, Rahul had been offered a broader position at the franchise, but has chosen not to take this. The Rajasthan Royals, its players, and millions of fans worldwide extend heartfelt thanks to Rahul for his remarkable service to the franchise,” the press release stated.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Decision of Rahul Dravid stepping down as a head coach of #RajasthanRoyals just after 1 season will only fuel the on going speculations about the differences between #SanjuSamson and the management. Will this resolved the issue and keep #Samson at #RR#IPL2026#IPLretentions#IPL pic.twitter.com/3EAEjAAaPT
— Sports Monk (@sportsmonk8) August 30, 2025
1. Dravid came in 2025 as RR Coach.
2. Made RR worse after wonderful 3 years.
3. And now stepped down as coach.
Why??— gs.chauhan (@Gajendersingh_) August 30, 2025
RAHUL DRAVID STEP DOWN AS RAJASTHAN ROYALS HEAD COACH pic.twitter.com/ErQeyJUMxr
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 30, 2025
Dravid isn’t head coach anymore pic.twitter.com/80oJpfWiYF
— AdityaRRaj (@RR_for_LIFE) August 30, 2025
Thank you, Rahul Dravid Sir.#IPL2025 #IPL #CSK #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/KkKxxNbei1
— MSDian (@ItzThanesh) August 30, 2025
-RR post a reel with caption Saju Samson (C)
-Today Rahul Dravid part ways with RR
Imo looks like it’s 99% sure Sanju staying back at RR, so who else is leaving?? Jaiswal? Parag? #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/Gx9QKThjrv
— Navneet (@MSDian067) August 30, 2025
RR had to choose between Rahul Dravid and Sanju, theyve chosen Sanju Samson. End of the trade stories, Sanju will stay. https://t.co/ok9CjEeSFu
— Sergio (@SergioCSKK) August 30, 2025
Rahul Dravid.
After just one year on his return to the Royals family, he has decided to step down as the Head Coach. I think maybe due to the poor performance in the last season. Wasn’t expecting this though.
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) August 30, 2025
what is just going on Rajasthan Royals camp. #RahulDravid
— Ben Stokes Fan Club (@KaFavourite) August 30, 2025
NEWS ALERT
– Rahul Dravid has quit as head coach of Rajasthan Royals #RahulDravid #rajasthanroyals #IPL #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/rln5ULUAOP
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 30, 2025
Also READ: Fans pour out emotional reactions as Ravichandran Ashwin announces IPL retirement
A dismal outing for RR in the IPL 2025
IPL 2025 campaign, under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, ended in sheer disappointment. A season that started with promise was catastrophically derailed by a mid-tournament injury to their talismanic skipper, Sanju Samson. His absence created a vacuum the team could never fill. The Royals consistently struggled to maintain momentum, losing a string of crucial, high-pressure games in the final overs. Their inability to close out matches marked a terrible outing they will be desperate to put behind them. The side eventually finished at the ninth position.
Also READ: CSK clarifies Dewald Brevis signing amid speculation over misuse of IPL rules
