Rahul Dravid resigned as Rajasthan Royals coach amid a power struggle over leadership choices and captaincy decisions.

Rahul Dravid Steps Down Amid Royals’ Internal Turmoil

Rahul Dravid’s decision to resign as head coach of Rajasthan Royals, barely a year into his multi-year return, has thrown the franchise into deeper scrutiny. While RR’s official statement framed it as his personal choice despite being offered a “broader role,” reports hint at a more complicated reality — including possible power struggles over leadership and Dravid’s disapproval of certain strategic calls, particularly concerning future captaincy.

Rahul Dravid, 52, rejoined the Royals ahead of IPL 2024, marking a reunion with the side he once represented as a player (2011–2013) and later guided as mentor. Despite his stature as one of the sharpest minds in cricket and fresh off a T20 World Cup-winning stint as India’s head coach, his stint ended abruptly after a disastrous IPL 2025 campaign, where RR slumped to ninth place.

According to RR’s official communication, Dravid was offered a “broader position” within the franchise as part of a structural review. However, a PTI report claimed it was more of a “punishment promotion,” sidelining him from key decision-making, particularly in squad building and leadership appointments — a move that may have ultimately triggered his exit.

Rift Over Riyan Parag’s Ascendancy?

At the core of Rajasthan Royals’ internal rift lies the franchise’s increasing push to appoint Riyan Parag as their next full-time captain, with longtime skipper Sanju Samson likely on his way out following injuries and a turbulent season.

Parag stepped in during Samson’s absence in IPL 2025 but struggled to impress with either the bat or his tactical calls. His breakout 2024 season — 573 runs at a strike rate close to 150 — was followed by a more inconsistent 2025, where he managed 393 runs at a faster strike rate of 166 but failed to showcase clear leadership qualities.

Despite this, Royals’ management appears committed to backing the Assam all-rounder, largely due to his massive fan following in the North East. Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, RR’s second home, has become central to the franchise’s brand outreach, and Parag’s popularity is viewed as a valuable asset.

However, such marketing-driven reasoning may not have aligned with Rahul Dravid’s cricket-first philosophy. Known for valuing merit and long-term vision, Dravid reportedly disagreed with sidelining more accomplished candidates — particularly Yashasvi Jaiswal, now a regular India international and one of RR’s most consistent performers.

The captaincy debate is further complicated by the emergence of Dhruv Jurel, another rising star who has already broken into the Indian Test side. Considered a potential leader, Jurel was even set to captain Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy before illness forced him out.