The Indian Premier League is witnessing significant shifts ahead of the upcoming season, with Rahul Dravid’s departure from Rajasthan Royals being a prominent one. The announcement by Rajasthan Royals, the first IPL champions, came on August 30th, revealing that Dravid had resigned as head coach through mutual agreement. This news immediately prompted discussion regarding Dravid’s next steps in coaching, particularly within the IPL framework. A specific team has emerged as a potential destination.
Dravid’s tenure as head coach of Rajasthan Royals began the previous year, following his role as the Indian team’s coach during the T20 World Cup 2024. He decided to step down after just one season. The statement from Rajasthan Royals indicated that they had offered Dravid a larger, more encompassing role within the franchise, but he chose to decline, leading to his departure.
Presently, Dravid is not associated with any team. The question now revolves around whether he will remain unattached when the new season commences. Considering his strong coaching background and his experience with Delhi and Rajasthan in the IPL, he could be a valuable addition to any team looking for a coach. The Kolkata Knight Riders, a former champion, could be a possible landing spot.
Kolkata, who won the IPL title in 2024, decided to replace their head coach, Chandrakant Pandit, following their 2025 season. The franchise is yet to name a new coach. Thus, it would not be surprising if Shah Rukh Khan’s team made a move to acquire Dravid. At this moment, apart from KKR and Rajasthan, there are no vacant head coach positions within the other IPL franchises. The forthcoming weeks are likely to be crucial in determining the next phase of Dravid’s coaching career.