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Sanju Samson And Rahul Dravid Part Ways; RR To See Major Changes Ahead Of IPL 2026

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Sanju Samson and Rahul Dravid [Source: @Cricketracker/x.com]Sanju Samson and Rahul Dravid [Source: @Cricketracker/x.com]

What turns out to be a sudden development, Rahul Dravid's coaching tenure with the Rajasthan Royals has come to an end. Ahead of the next season of the tournament, the franchise will appoint a new face in the role.

The Royals announced that they have parted ways with the former India international through an official statement on their social media handles. Notably, Indian legend returned to the role after his tenure with the Indian national team. He acted as the head coach for the national team from 2021 to the T20 World Cup 2024. The stint ended on a high with the 'Men In Blue' lifting an ICC trophy after 11 years. After that, Dravid replaced Kumar Sangakkara as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals.

Dravid's Journey With The Royals

Rahul Dravid and the Royals have been associated for a long time, dating back to the playing days of the legend. He joined the franchise as a player in 2011 under the captaincy of Shane Warne. After this he led the team till 2013 and continued his association with the team till 2015 as a mentor.

Dravid was then handed over the responsibility of the India Under 19 team. Under his guidance the team reached the finals of the U19 World Cup in 2016 and won the title in 2018. Seeing his work with the junior team, he was offered the same role for the senior team. This meant that Dravid returned to the Royals and this time as the head coach after about a decade.

During his time as the mentor and coach of the franchise, the Royals have played 41 matches, out of which they have lost 23 and won 18. The best result came in IPL 2015, when the reached the play-offs, but lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator.

Notably, this new comes in the wake of the rumours of the RR skipper, Sanju Samson demanding a trade out of the franchise. The stepping down of Dravid ensures the duo parting ways even if Samson plays for the Royals in IPL 2026.