Rahul Dravid (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images) The IPL 2026 season is already shaping up to be one of transition, with several high-profile exits and reshuffles across franchises. From coaching changes to player retirements, the off-season has seen some of the league’s biggest names move on.Rajasthan Royals created headlines on Saturday when they confirmed that head coach Rahul Dravid will conclude his tenure ahead of IPL 2026. The announcement marks the end of a relationship that stretches back more than a decade.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.SUBSCRIBE NOW!Dravid first joined the Royals in 2011, captained the side until 2013, and later mentored the franchise in 2014 and 2015. After guiding India to a T20 World Cup win in 2024, he returned as RR’s head coach in 2025 in what was seen as a full-circle moment.In their farewell message, RR noted: “Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey for many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, instilled strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise.”Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders have also undergone sweeping changes. Head coach Chandrakant Pandit and bowling coach Bharat Arun parted ways with the franchise after a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw KKR finish eighth under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy. KKR thanked Pandit for “leading KKR to the IPL Championship in 2024 and helping build a strong, resilient squad.” Former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar has since been reappointed as assistant coach.Adding to the list of major developments, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also announced his retirement from the IPL. The 38-year-old, who was last seen with Chennai Super Kings, confirmed he will now focus on playing in overseas leagues.“Special day and hence a special beginning,” Ashwin wrote on X. “They say every ending will have a new start, my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today. Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the wonderful memories and relationships over the years and most importantly the @IPL and the @BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me.”With Dravid stepping away from Rajasthan Royals, Pandit and Arun moving on from KKR, and Ashwin bidding farewell to the IPL, the league is undergoing one of its most significant phases of change since its inception. The 2026 season will see not just new faces in the dugouts but also fresh opportunities for emerging players and coaches to define the next chapter of IPL.
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