Rahul Dravid Stepped Down As Rajasthan Royals Head Coach After Management Pushes for Riyan Parag Captaincy

Rahul Dravid’s abrupt resignation as Rajasthan Royals head coach has sparked fresh scrutiny of the franchise’s internal workings.

Officially, the Royals said he stepped down for “personal reasons” after being offered a broader role. But reports suggest otherwise, pointing towards disagreements over captaincy choices and Dravid’s dissatisfaction with the franchise’s direction.

Dravid, who rejoined RR ahead of IPL 2024, ended his stint after a poor 2025 campaign where the team finished ninth. Despite being fresh off India’s T20 World Cup triumph as head coach, his return to the Royals lasted barely a season.

According to PTI, the “broader role” was essentially a sidelined position, limiting his influence on squad building and leadership decisions. A major flashpoint appears to be the Royals’ intent to promote Riyan Parag as captain.

Parag filled in when Sanju Samson was injured but failed to impress tactically. After a strong 2024 season with 573 runs, his 2025 output dipped to 393 runs.

Still, RR sees him as central to their brand expansion in the North East, with Guwahati serving as their second home.

Dravid, however, is believed to have preferred a merit-based approach, with players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel seen as stronger leadership candidates. Both are regulars in India’s setup and widely regarded as future leaders.

Samson’s expected exit has only fueled the rift. Dravid, who has long backed the Kerala batter, was reportedly uncomfortable with the lack of clarity over his future in the franchise.

The 52-year-old has chosen silence on the matter, but his sudden exit raises questions about RR’s handling of one of cricket’s most respected minds.

For the franchise, the challenge now is not just finding a new head coach but also deciding whether to stick with Parag or hand the reins to a more established performer like Jaiswal.