After just one season as head coach, Rahul Dravid’s tenure with the Rajasthan Royals is ending. The IPL franchise and Dravid have chosen to part ways after the team’s disastrous IPL 2025 season, in which they finished ninth.
Although stability and a systematic approach to team development had been promised by his return, the Rajasthan Royals’ desire for immediate success has been a difficult task.
Rahul Dravid and Rajasthan Royals Call It Quits
Rahul Dravid and the Rajasthan Royals have officially split up after just one season together, albeit having a multi-year contract.
Initially, when Dravid returned to the Royals in September 2024, fresh from guiding India to a World Cup win, there was real excitement. Here was one of the sharpest cricketing minds, someone who built a reputation for patience, discipline, and player development. Hence, naturally Royals were hoping he would bring that stability to a side known for its inconsistency.
Instead, the 2025 IPL season turned into a struggle. Rajasthan won only four of their 14 games and ended up ninth on the table. The dream of a revival under Dravid never really took off.
Royals Hit Reset After Disappointing Season
The Royals are no strangers to ups and downs, but the 2025 campaign was particularly hard to watch. A team with so much talent could not find its rhythm.
Batting collapses hurt them repeatedly, injuries made things worse, and the group never looked fully settled.
Fans expected Rahul Dravid’s coaching methods to bring structure and resilience. But the fast pace of the IPL left little room for trial and error. The team often looked flat when under pressure and failed to close out winnable matches.
With another season approaching, Rajasthan has decided to reset. Kumar Sangakkara, currently Director of Cricket, is tipped to step back into a stronger leadership role. The new leader must not only provide outcomes but also boost the spirits of a team that has been engaged in transition for too long.
End of an Era!
Rahul Dravid steps down as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach after an unforgettable stint.
What’s next for the cricketing icon?
#IPL #RahulDravid #RajasthanRoyals pic.twitter.com/6RpdMBmArb
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) August 30, 2025
[REPORT] Why Dravid’s Exit Was Expected All Along?
Dravid’s exit may have seemed sudden to many, but the warning flags were there all along. The outcome was the result of several factors:
- With just four victories in 14 games, the Royals had a terrible IPL 2025 season.
- A mismatch between Rahul Dravid’s coaching style and the fast-paced action of IPL, and their demand for instant results. This contributed to immense pressure which leaned toward quick fixes over long-term planning.
- Early talks about his future began in July during a season review in London.
- His decision to turn down a broader non-coaching role was offered by owner Manoj Badale.
- The uncertainty around captain Sanju Samson, who asked for a trade, added tension to the leadership setup.
- Internal debates within the franchise about future leadership, with names like Samson, Riyan Parag, and Yashasvi Jaiswal all in the mix.
Given all these threads, Rahul Dravid’s coaching exit was not so much a shock as it was the logical conclusion to months of quiet discussions.
What Next for Royals and Dravid?
The Royals must now decide who leads them into IPL 2026. Sangakkara is the obvious frontrunner, but nothing has been confirmed yet. The Sanju Samson situation is equally important. Having an unhappy captain is a recipe for more instability, and the franchise needs clarity quickly.
For Dravid, the future is open. His coaching pedigree ensures that he will have options. Other franchises are already expected to come calling. The question is whether he wants to jump straight back into the IPL grind or take a break before choosing his next role.
Either way, his time with Rajasthan underlines how demanding this league has become. Even someone with his stature is not spared when results don’t come.
Writer’s Take
This feels like a missed chance because the goal of Rahul Dravid’s coaching has always been to provide consistency and culture, both of which Rajasthan desperately needed. However, the IPL is a league that prioritises results given its format.
Moreover, it just took a single season to make a difference. Another year, in my opinion, would have proven his influence, but I can also see the Royals’ frustration following a difficult campaign.
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