Rahul Dravid’s association with Rajasthan Royals has come to an end, as the legendary batter has chosen not to continue with the franchise going into the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League. Despite being invited to take on an expanded role within the setup after an internal review, Dravid decided to step away from the Royals altogether.
His single season in charge saw limited success on the points table, with the team finishing near the bottom. Yet, his tenure wasn’t without positives—most notably his guidance of 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose breakthrough performances became one of the few bright spots of the campaign.
The Royals, in their parting statement, acknowledged Dravid’s long-standing influence on the franchise, dating back to his earlier stints as captain and mentor. They highlighted his leadership, cultural impact, and the strong values he instilled in players through different phases of the team’s journey.
Meanwhile, speculation around skipper Sanju Samson’s future continues to swirl. Injuries kept the captain out of a portion of the 2025 season, sparking rumours of tension between him and Dravid—claims the coach dismissed outright. Reports have since suggested that Samson himself might be considering a move away from the franchise, though neither he nor the Royals have issued an official response.
Dravid’s latest stint was part of a multi-year deal signed in 2024, marking his return to a franchise he previously led as captain in the early 2010s before mentoring in later years. His exit now draws the curtain on another chapter of his Royals journey, one that adds to an already storied career in coaching and cricket development.
