'Sanju Samson is behind Rahul Dravid's sacking': Rajasthan Royals head coach’s exit sparks wild reactions

Published - 30 Aug 2025, 02:53 PM | Updated - 30 Aug 2025, 02:54 PM

Rahul Dravid Sanju Samson
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Former Team India batter Rahul Dravid has stepped down as head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2026. The former captain has decided not to take on an expanded role within the franchise, and both sides have mutually agreed, as the team confirmed in an official statement on social media.

Dravid, who has been a key figure in the Royals' journey for many years, took charge as head coach of the Royals following the T20 World Cup. He appointed Vikram Rathour as the team’s batting coach. However, the franchise struggled after a disappointing auction and finished ninth in the points table.

Rahul Dravid’s Journey with Rajasthan Royals Across Multiple Roles

Rahul Dravid was associated with the Rajasthan Royals in multiple roles over more than a decade. He began as a top-order batsman and captain from 2011 to 2013, scoring over 1,300 runs. The batter also led the team to the IPL playoffs and the Champions League T20 final in 2013.

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After retiring, Dravid served as a mentor from 2014 to 2015. He later coached India’s U-19, ‘A’, and senior men’s teams before returning to RR as head coach in September 2024 on a multi-year contract.

The veteran cricketer had a difficult outing in his first season as head coach, with the Royals struggling throughout the campaign. They managed just four wins from ten matches and ended the season in ninth place on the points table.

Rajasthan Royals Have to Appoint New Head Coach After Dravid’s Exit

The Rajasthan Royals have to find a new head coach with Dravid stepping away. It remains uncertain whether Kumar Sangakkara will resume coaching duties as he did from 2022 to 2024 while continuing as the franchise’s Director of Cricket.

Meanwhile, skipper Sanju Samson’s future has become the biggest talking point. According to reports, he is unhappy with his batting position and decisions like Jos Buttler’s release. Samson also missed a few games in IPL 2025 due to injury, which further fueled chatter of a rift with Dravid.

Samson might reconsider his decision, or Rajasthan may start fresh in the IPL after Dravid left. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have expressed interest in signing Samson.

Fans React on Twitter as Rahul Dravid and Rajasthan Royals Part Ways

Fans on social media platforms shared mixed reactions on Rahul Dravid and the Rajasthan Royals parting ways ahead of IPL 2026.

Also read: Suresh Raina on CSK radar!! To join MS Dhoni in his last IPL season

Sai Vaitla

Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla... Read more

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