In a major development, former India head coach and one of India's greatest batters, Rahul Dravid, has parted ways with his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, ahead of the 2026 edition of the IPL.
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The decision comes just months ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, as it marks the end of Dravid's one-year stint with the Rajasthan Royals.
Dravid parts ways with Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026
Post leading India to a T20 World Cup title, Rahul Dravid was roped in by his former IPL franchise, Rajasthan Royals, as the head coach ahead of the IPL 2025. The franchise has now announced that the Indian legend has decided to move on and not accept a broader role in the franchise.
Official Statement pic.twitter.com/qyHYVLVewz
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 30, 2025
Under Rahul Dravid, the Royals failed to make it big in the IPL 2025. The side ended at ninth in the points table, winning just 4 games out of their 14 matches.
In an official statement, the Rajasthan Royal statement mentioned that the franchise offered the Indian great a broader position, which he declined, and hence, they had to part ways.
"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 read.
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Dravid has had a long-standing affair with the Royals' side. He represented the side for five seasons before this. He led the Royals in 2012 and 2013 while and was the side's mentor for 2014 and 2015.
Apart from his duties as the coach of the Rajasthan Royals, Dravid has also been the head coach of India U19 and the senior side. He was appointed head of the National Cricket Academy in 2019, where he groomed several young players.
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Could Rahul Dravid join KKR as head coach for IPL 2026?
The Kolkata Knight Riders also parted ways with their head coach, Chandrakant Pandit, after three years, following a sub-par 2025 season. Under Pandit's coaching, Gautam Gambhir's mentorship, and Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, KKR had secured a title in IPL 2024 -- after nearly a decade.
So, there is a vacancy at the Eden Gardens, and Dravid could be an option that the three-time champions consider. Abhishek Nayar is also being considered as a potential option, but no decision has been made yet.
Earlier, trade rumours had heavily linked Sanju Samson for a move to KKR as a potential replacement for Ajinkya Rahane, to take over the dual role as captain and wicket-keeper batter. While none of the changes can be ruled out yet, it will make for an interesting headline if Dravid and Samson reunite at the "City of Joy".