RR coach Rahul Dravid denies friction with skipper Sanju Samson

Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid has firmly dismissed rumours of a fallout with team captain Sanju Samson, labeling the speculation as unfounded and reiterating that the squad remains united in its campaign for IPL 2025 success.

The buzz around a possible discord intensified after a viral video surfaced from the Royals’ recent nail-biter against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The footage, captured just before the Super Over, showed Dravid in an intense discussion with the support staff and select players. During the exchange, a player gestured towards Samson—seen near the dugout—to join the huddle. Samson, however, waved off the invite with a casual hand signal and remained where he was.

The clip quickly sparked social media debate, with fans speculating that it indicated tension between the captain and the coaching unit. Some even went so far as to suggest that Samson’s leadership was under threat or that he might be exploring a move to Chennai Super Kings—rumours with no credible backing.

Dravid addressed the situation during a press conference, making it clear that there was no truth to the whispers.

“There’s absolutely no issue between us. Sanju and I are on the same page,” Dravid stated. “He’s deeply involved in all strategic decisions. People are quick to speculate when results don’t go our way, but we stand together as a unit. The team spirit is strong, and the players are putting in tremendous effort.”

He also touched on the emotional toll that criticism can take. “What many don’t see is how much it hurts these players when things don’t go right. But they keep pushing, and that’s what matters.”

With Rajasthan Royals still firmly in the hunt for a playoff berth, the team’s attention now shifts to their upcoming clash with Lucknow Super Giants—a must-win fixture as they look to bounce back after a tight loss in Delhi.