Rahul Dravid steps down as Rajasthan Royals head coach after refusing to accept 'broader position' at the IPL franchise

IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals have announced that Rahul Dravid has concluded his tenure as head coach of the team and has stepped down from his position. Dravid joined RR as head coach ahead of IPL 2025.

Rahul Dravid standing alongside young Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Image: AFP

FirstCricket Staff|Aug 30, 2025, 15:06:42 IST

Rahul Dravid has stepped down from the role of Rajasthan Royals' head coach. The IPL franchise took to X to confirm the news of Dravid's departure after just one season in charge. Dravid, who played 46 matches in the IPL for RR, was appointed as the head coach of RR after his tenure with the Indian team in the same role came to an end last year.

The Rajasthan Royals had a subpar performance in IPL 2025 under Dravid's leadership. The team managed to win just four games out of 14 and finished ninth in the league table.

“Your presence in Pink inspired both the young and the seasoned. Forever a Royal. Forever grateful,” Rajasthan Royals captioned the farewell post for Dravid.

Dravid was offered a 'broader position' at the franchise

As per official statement released by Rajasthan Royals, the franchise wanted to keep Dravid in the set-up and offered him other significant role, but the former India captain refused to take up any other position at the franchise.

“Rajasthan Royals today announced that 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,” the franchise stated in a post on social media.

“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 statement added.

Dravid is not the first coach to have parted ways with his IPL franchise ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction. Last month, Chandrakant Pandit quit his position as KKR's head coach to explore other opportunities. Pandit won the IPL 2024 with KKR as head coach. He is only the second Indian coach to have won the IPL title as head coach after Ashish Nehra.

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