On Saturday (August 30), the sudden departure of Rahul Dravid from his role as Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach stirred up a storm of speculation on social media. Fans are now questioning if the departure is linked to team captain Sanju Samson, with some suggesting that the exit may put an end to the trade rumours surrounding the latter.
Neither Dravid nor Samson has publicly indicated any discord, but subtle signs from the IPL 2025 season—such as occasional moments of distance between the two—have fueled conjecture. However, these remain speculative at best.
Dravid’s sudden exit raises eyebrows, especially considering his brief tenure with RR. Just one year isn’t enough to fully assess a coach’s impact, as seen with Andy Flower’s time at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Rajasthan Royals had positioned Dravid, a T20 World Cup-winning coach and Indian cricket legend, as a key figure within the franchise. This move thus leaves many fans questioning what might have really transpired behind the scenes.
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While some fans support the decision, others are convinced that something more is at play. One fan commented, “You can’t deny that there was a rift between Sanju and Dravid. Dravid leaving means Sanju stays. Management had to pick one, and they chose Sanju.” Another fan added, “RR had to choose between Rahul Dravid and Sanju. They’ve picked Sanju. End of trade rumors. Sanju will stay.”
Dravid isn’t head coach anymore 😭😭pic.twitter.com/80oJpfWiYF
— AdityaRRaj (@RR_for_LIFE) August 30, 2025
Rahul Dravid. 💔
After just one year on his return to the Royals family, he has decided to step down as the Head Coach. I think maybe due to the poor performance in the last season. Wasn’t expecting this though.
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) August 30, 2025
All RR fans please respect a legend like Dravid, He always shown and guided the future of RR in last decade by backing Rahane, samson as captain, this season he backed suryavanshi and jurel as a coach.
Do not spread any wrong theories. pic.twitter.com/QubNhCz3kG— ProbabilityImpliesPossibility (@ProbabilityImp2) August 30, 2025
Those who don’t understand.
It was clear that between Samson & Dravid they chose Samson.
I think it was always about Samson & Dravid.
Now Samson ain’t going anywhere. https://t.co/ADJtVCKLtA— Raazi (@Crick_logist) August 30, 2025
Before the rumors about Dravid’s departure surfaced, there were talks that Samson might have played his final season with RR, with teams like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders reportedly interested. Despite these discussions, no major moves materialised.
ALSO READ: Rahul Dravid Steps Down As Head Coach Of Rajasthan Royals Ahead Of IPL 2026
Whether Dravid’s exit is connected to Samson’s future or not, RR must carefully manage changes ahead of the next IPL season, ensuring that they don’t undo the progress made in recent years.
