Rahul Dravid Steps Away — Again

Rahul Dravid, one of the most respected names in Indian cricket, has stepped down as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026. The news comes after RR’s disastrous 2025 campaign, where they managed only 4 wins in 14 matches, finishing 9th on the table.

Dravid, who has had a deep association with the Royals — first as a player, then mentor, and later coach — turned down a broader "structural role" offered by the franchise during its review exercise. The move signals not just the end of an era for Dravid at RR but also throws the franchise into a deeper leadership crisis.

राहुल द्रविड़ ने फिर से छोड़ा पद
 

भारतीय क्रिकेट के सबसे सम्मानित नामों में से एक, राहुल द्रविड़ ने आईपीएल 2026 से पहले राजस्थान रॉयल्स के मुख्य कोच पद से इस्तीफा दे दिया है। यह खबर आरआर के 2025 के निराशाजनक प्रदर्शन के बाद आई है, जहाँ वे 14 मैचों में केवल 4 जीत हासिल कर पाए और तालिका में 9वें स्थान पर रहे।

द्रविड़, जिनका रॉयल्स के साथ गहरा जुड़ाव रहा है - पहले एक खिलाड़ी के रूप में, फिर एक मेंटर के रूप में, और बाद में एक कोच के रूप में - ने फ्रैंचाइज़ी द्वारा समीक्षा प्रक्रिया के दौरान दी गई एक व्यापक "संरचनात्मक भूमिका" को ठुकरा दिया। यह कदम न केवल आरआर में द्रविड़ के एक युग के अंत का संकेत देता है, बल्कि फ्रैंचाइज़ी को एक गहरे नेतृत्व संकट में भी डाल देता है।

राजस्थान रॉयल्स के आँकड़े: 2025 में एक पतन
यदि हम आँकड़ों पर नज़र डालें, तो राजस्थान रॉयल्स का 2025 का सीज़न सांख्यिकीय रूप से उनके इतिहास के सबसे खराब सीज़न में से एक था:

Rajasthan Royals in Numbers: A Collapse in 2025

If we look at the data, Rajasthan Royals’ 2025 season was statistically one of their worst in history:

Key takeaways:

• Lowest batting average ever (22.4 runs/wicket)

• Powerplay strike rate fell by 17 runs compared to 2022

• Bowling economy worsened by nearly 1 run per over

• Net Run Rate (NRR) plummeted to -0.65

The Match-Fixing Cloud

Adding to the pressure were whispers of match-fixing allegations. While nothing has been officially proven, the controversy added scrutiny to RR’s already faltering campaign. It also amplified the perception that the franchise lacked control and direction, especially in high-stakes matches.

Young Talent: Asset or ‘Charity’?

One of RR’s long-standing strategies has been giving young players early exposure. In 2025, this peaked with Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old prodigy, becoming the youngest ever to debut in IPL and later the youngest centurion.

While this was a feel-good story, it also invited criticism. Former cricketer Ambati Rayudu publicly accused RR of treating the IPL like a "charity camp" rather than a competitive franchise.

On paper, RR’s gamble on youth hasn’t translated into trophies. Despite producing stars like Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag, the trophy cabinet has been empty since 2008.

The ‘Punishment Promotion’ Dravid Declined

The franchise reportedly offered Dravid a larger role in a structural overhaul — one that included talent pipeline management, scouting, and franchise-wide cricket operations. But Dravid declined.

Some insiders have speculated this was less a promotion and more a polite exit strategy — a "punishment promotion" offered after a disastrous season. Dravid, known for his dignity, chose instead to step away entirely.

The Next Coach: Sangakkara in Line

With Dravid gone, the spotlight shifts to Kumar Sangakkara, currently the Team Director. He is seen as the frontrunner to take over as head coach, potentially supported by Trevor Penney and other staff.

Sangakkara has been part of RR’s setup since 2021 and is widely respected. But whether he can turn around a team that has consistently underperformed remains uncertain.

Sanju Samson: Staying or Leaving?

Perhaps the bigger headache for RR is Sanju Samson’s future. Rumours suggest the long-time captain may also consider moving on after Dravid’s exit.

If that happens, RR would face a leadership vacuum. Internal whispers suggest Riyan Parag is being groomed as a future captain — a bold but risky move given his inexperience at the highest leadership level.

Rajasthan Royals’ Trophy Drought

The Royals remain haunted by history. Since winning the inaugural IPL in 2008 under Shane Warne, they have not lifted the trophy again.

• Finals Appearances: Once (2022, lost to Gujarat Titans)

• Playoff Appearances (since 2013): Only 4 times

• Bottom-half finishes: 6 of the last 10 seasons

This prolonged drought has hurt not just fan morale but also franchise brand value in an increasingly competitive IPL landscape.

Where Did It All Go Wrong?

1. Over-Reliance on Youth: Exciting stories, but limited consistency.

2. Leadership Flux: No stable captaincy-coach combination after Shane Warne’s era.

3. Weak Death Bowling: Economy rates consistently among the worst in IPL.

4. Inconsistent Batting Depth: Collapse-prone middle order in crunch matches.

5. Tactical Gambles: Frequent chopping and changing has hurt team balance.

The Road Ahead: IPL 2026 and Beyond

For IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals must confront three urgent issues:

1. Coaching Stability — Sangakkara or an external high-profile coach must bring a clear philosophy.

2. Captaincy Call — Convince Sanju Samson to stay or fast-track Riyan Parag into leadership.

3. Balanced Squad Building — Move away from experiments and focus on proven performers.

Failure to address these could see RR slipping further behind franchises like CSK, MI, and GT, all of whom have mastered the balance between youth, experience, and tactical clarity.

Rahul Dravid’s resignation from Rajasthan Royals is more than just a coach stepping down. It’s a reflection of deeper structural problems within the franchise — from strategy to leadership to squad balance.

Whether RR sees this as a reset button or slips further into decline will depend on the decisions they make before IPL 2026. With rumours of Sanju Samson’s exit, Sangakkara’s potential elevation, and a generation of young stars waiting in the wings, the Royals stand at a crossroads.

The fans, however, are still waiting for the day when the pink jersey lifts a trophy again — something they haven’t seen since 2008.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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