On Saturday, August 30, Rajasthan Royals (RR) announced the bombing in the franchise of Indian legend and its head coach, Rahul Dravid.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) has praised his notable service to the team, saying surprisingly they have decided to say goodbye to Rahul Dravid ahead of India’s Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Rahul Dravid launched the Rajasthan Royals Journey in 2011
Legendary Indian batsman Rahul Dravid began his journey with the first IPL champion in 2011, when he was bought by the Rajasthan Royals after the Bangalore royals had not placed a bid on him.
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He repaid the franchise’s faith by winning 343 runs in the season and emerged as the team’s top run scorer. In the following season, Dravid was appointed the team’s new captain and continued in this role until 2013.
In these two seasons at the helm, Rahul Dravid was excellent in the bat as he scored 462 runs and 471 runs. He also captained RR in 40 matches, earning 23.
He served as a team mentor and director in 2014 and 2015, and served as a decent stint. Rahul Dravid was then officially appointed head coach of the new Rajasthan Royals in September 2024, behind his victory against Team India at the T20 World Cup in September 2024.
He signed a multi-year deal with the franchise, but in IPL 2025, the Rajasthan Royals finished ninth in the point table with just four wins in 14 matches, with the two parties deciding to say goodbye.
In particular, Rajasthan Royals offered a broader strategic role by Rahul Dravid after a structural review, but he chose not to accept it.
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Has Rahul Dravid left Rajasthan Royals due to a rift with Sanju Samson?
Rahul Dravid’s departure from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) came amid a controversy over captain Sanju Samson, who sought release from the franchise.
However, Cricbuzz’s report peeled off the layer of the exit of Rahul Dravid. After the end of IPL 2025, team owner Manoj Badale called for a season review meeting in London, where Dravid attended, and was offered the “wideer” role he rejected.
The Dravid exit is linked to Sanju Samson, but that’s not exactly the case. The disagreement between Dravid and Samson was nothing more than a regular coach captain spat, and things got better at the end of the competition.
“Their relationship was thought to be nothing more than the usual, regular, regular differences of opinion found in the coach-captain relationship. In fact, they are both old royals and getting together is important to the franchise’s future, and it appears to be on display in the last few games by all accounts.
In particular, Samson’s misfortune is not purely about Dravid, and there are currently three ways of thinking in RR. The first is to support Liyan Parag as the future skipper. Another camp wants Yashasvi Jaiswal to be at the helm. Group 3 hopes that Sanju Samsung will continue at the helm.
To take over the aftermath of Dravid?
Cricket’s RR director Kumar Sangakhala was able to take over Dravid as head coach, but the final decision on this issue comes after a meeting in London where Vikram Lator is also present.
“It is not clear whether Sangakarakar was invited to the London Conference, but it is understood that it is likely that Vikram Lator, a former Indian batting coach who joined the royal family with Dravid last year.
Also, several IPL franchises are keen to put Dravids in the setup, and Indian legends could be seen in one of the team’s dugouts for the upcoming season.
The Kerala superstar, who wants to go back to Sanju Samson Matter, is not directly connected to Rahul Dravid. Therefore, his exit will not lead to a change in the heart of the batsman, as there is a final decision in the hands of the franchise.
“Dravid’s presence or absence makes little difference as his relationship with the franchise reached a stage where he requested that he seek a deal on behalf of the franchise, which clearly indicates that he is looking for a new direction.
prickbuzz exclusive ⭐️
The exit from Rahul Dravid’s Rajasthan Royals may suddenly be visible.
But the whispers had grown for months. About the direction of coaches, captains and teams.
The complete story 🧵pIc.twItter.com/f6gf5ngpdQ
-CricBuzz (@crickbuzz) august 30, 2025