Rahul Dravid steps down as Rajasthan Royals head coach amid Sanju Samson exit rumours

Rahul Dravid’s name has long been linked with the Rajasthan Royals. The Indian cricket legend joined the franchise as a player in 2011, captained the side in 2012 and 2013, and later worked as team director and mentor in 2014 and 2015. After completing his tenure as India’s head coach following the T20 World Cup, Dravid returned to RR—this time as head coach.

Expectations were high with his comeback, but the 2008 champions endured a poor season, finishing ninth in IPL 2025 with just four wins from 14 games—their worst campaign since 2022. Despite being in a wheelchair following an accident, Dravid attended every match to guide his team.

Now, just months before the IPL 2026 auction, Dravid has stepped down, sparking speculation. The timing of the decision coincides with rumours that captain Sanju Samson is also considering leaving the franchise, something hinted at by his family’s public statements.

On Saturday, RR announced that the decision followed a “structural review.” The statement revealed Dravid had been offered a “broader role” within the franchise, but he declined. This raises two key questions- Did the Royals want to move him out of the head coach position, or were they seeking to elevate him into a larger role that he wasn’t interested in?

“Head coach Rahul Dravid will conclude his tenure with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026,” RR said in a press release. “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’s structural review, Rahul had been offered a broader position, but has chosen not to accept this.”

If Samson also departs, the Royals could face a major leadership crisis heading into the mini-auction for IPL 2026.