Rahul Dravid has stepped down as head coach of the Rajasthan Royals after just one season with the IPL franchise.

The 52-year-old was offered a “broader position” after a structural review of the team set-up but the former Indian captain declined the offer.

“Head coach Rahul Dravid will conclude his tenure with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026,” read a statement.

Dravid had returned to the team as head coach ahead of this year’s T20 tournament, but Rajasthan failed to make the playoffs and ended a dismal ninth in the 10-team table.

“Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey over many years,” the inaugural IPL champions said. “His leadership has influenced a generation of players, built strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise.”

Dravid first joined Rajasthan as a player in 2011 and captained them for two seasons in 2012 and 2013.

He served as a team director in 2014 and as mentor a year later.

Dravid scored 13,288 runs in 164 Test matches in a glittering career before hanging his boots in 2012.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Gallo Images