Before the start of IPL 2026, Rahul Dravid has stepped down as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals. Dravid was appointed as the team’s head coach ahead of the IPL 2025 season, and the franchise officially announced his exit on Saturday. However, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has speculated that Dravid was removed after declining a senior management role offered by the franchise.
The IPL 2025 season was personally challenging for Rahul Dravid. He suffered a leg injury, which forced him to spend a significant amount of time in a wheelchair, although he continued coaching the team. Under his guidance, Rajasthan Royals managed to win only four out of 14 matches and finished ninth in the points table.
Speaking on his social media show “360 Live”, AB de Villiers suggested that Dravid’s exit could be linked to his refusal to take up the new role. De Villiers said, “I feel this might have been a decision from the owners or the management. They probably offered him a bigger position within the team, but he turned it down. Maybe he was disappointed and wanted to contribute more directly from the dugout. Perhaps this was his decision, perhaps not. We’ll know more in the future when he talks about it.”
In an official statement on X, Rajasthan Royals said, “Rahul has been an integral part of the Royals’ journey for many years. Under his leadership, a new generation of players has grown, and he has left an indelible mark on the franchise’s culture.”
The statement further added, “Rahul was offered a senior position within the franchise, but he chose not to accept it. Rajasthan Royals, along with its players and millions of fans worldwide, express heartfelt gratitude to Rahul for his outstanding service and contribution to the team.”