Rahul Dravid's replacement at Rajasthan Royals locked in; legend picked to co-ordinate with Sanju Samson
Published - 31 Aug 2025, 11:27 AM | Updated - 31 Aug 2025, 11:34 PM
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Rahul Dravid’s sudden exit from Rajasthan Royals has sparked massive speculations, but it is being said that the decision was long in the making. After finishing a poor ninth in the IPL 2025 with only four wins from 14 matches, questions had already been raised about the team’s direction under Rahul Dravid, who won the T20 World Cup as India's head coach.
The legendary Indian batter was once seen as the perfect match for the Rajasthan Royals’ philosophy of nurturing young talent with patience and discipline, but he struggled to align that long-term vision with the IPL’s demand for quick success.
Rahul Dravid quits Rajasthan Royals after dismal IPL 2025 season
Despite the IPL franchise co-owner Manoj Badale’s attempt to retain Dravid by offering a broader role, the former Indian head coach turned it down and parted ways with the team. Dravid’s sudden departure from the Royals has been linked to the captain, Sanju Samson, who had reportedly asked to be released.
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Now, the big question is who will be the next Royals head coach after Rahul Dravid resigned from the top position. As reported by Cricbuzz, legendary Sri Lankan cricketer and former coach Kumar Sangakkara is highly likely to return to the top position ahead of the IPL 2026.
Kumar Sangakkara emerges favourite for the top job at RR
Kumar Sangakkara, who is currently serving as the team director of Rajasthan Royals, could replace Dravid as the head coach. The buzz has only grown stronger since co-owner Manoj Badale called for an urgent support staff meeting in London this week to decide the way forward.
The final decision will be announced after the London meeting, but it remains unclear if Kumar Sangakkara himself will be present. On the other hand, Vikram Rathour, who joined the Rajasthan Royals with Dravid last season, is expected to stay with the franchise.
If Sangakkara takes charge, Trevor Penney, the team director’s former assistant and a current member of the RR staff, could get a bigger role in the new coaching setup as the franchise aims to make a strong comeback in the upcoming IPL 2026.
Rahul Dravid becomes the hottest pick in the IPL coaching market after the Rajasthan Royals' exit
Meanwhile, Rahul Dravid’s exit from Rajasthan Royals has sparked interest from other IPL franchises, with several teams already lining up to approach the former Indian head coach. The former India captain has instantly become one of the most sought-after names in the coaching circuit.
Sources suggested that multiple franchises are preparing offers, hoping to secure Dravid’s services ahead of the next season. However, Dravid will approach these opportunities with his usual calmness and caution instead of rushing into a deal with any IPL franchise.
At the same time, Dravid is aware that coaching vacancies in the IPL do not come often, and his current demand may not last forever. With new names constantly entering the coaching market, franchises may not keep chasing him forever, but he is currently the hottest pick in coaching.
Notably, it was not Dravid’s first stint with the RR. The legendary cricketer had captained the Royals in 2012 and 2013 and later served as a mentor in 2014 and 2015.
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