Rahul Dravid has stepped down as head coach of Rajasthan Royals just a year after his appointment, leaving the IPL franchise in search of a replacement ahead of the 2026 season. The development comes shortly after Dravid guided India to T20 World Cup glory, cementing his stature as one of the most successful modern-day coaches. His exit has immediately drawn attention from rival franchises eager to secure his expertise.

Here are three teams vying for Rahul Dravid’s expertise:

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Kolkata Knight Riders are among the top contenders for Dravid. With Chandrakant Pandit removed after failing to defend the title in 2025 and facing reported dressing room unrest, KKR are on the lookout for a leader who can steady the ship. Dravid’s calm approach and proven record make him an ideal fit for the three-time champions.

राहुल द्रविडसाठी तीन आयपीएल संघांची धडपड, ब्लँक चेक घेऊन सज्ज!
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.#Rahuldravid #ipl2026 https://t.co/ol8nIGOGBT

— Maha Sports (@Maha_Sports) September 17, 2025

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Lucknow Super Giants have also struggled under Justin Langer, who has failed to take the side into the playoffs across two seasons. Despite Zaheer Khan’s appointment as mentor in 2025, results have been underwhelming. While Dravid’s availability could tempt the management, a move to Lucknow appears less likely.

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Delhi Capitals (DC)

A reunion with the Delhi Capitals is another possibility. Dravid previously served as the team’s mentor in 2016 and shares history with the franchise. Current head coach Hemang Badani was unable to guide them to the playoffs in 2025, which may prompt DC to consider reinstating Dravid as head coach ahead of IPL 2026.