Shortly after Dravid's exit, CEO Jake Lush McCrum parts ways with Rajasthan Royals

Published - 09 Sept 2025, 22:37 IST | Updated - 09 Sept 2025, 22:43 IST

The IPL 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals (RR) appear to be going through a turbulent phase off the field. After the exit of Rahul Dravid, who had served as head coach during the 2025 season, it has now been revealed that franchise CEO Jake Lush McCrum has also stepped down, as per a report on Tuesday, circulating in a popular media outlet.

According to Cricbuzz, McCrum, who hails from England, has been an integral part of the Royals’ operations for several years, serving in multiple roles before being elevated to as the chief executive for the 2008 champions. He has personally reached out to fellow franchises and industry colleagues to confirm his departure from the Jaipur-based team.

Apart from this, Dravid had rejoined the RR in 2025 and recently stepped down from the head coaching role. He came to coaching duties in the cash-rich league after completing his tenure as India’s head coach following the T20 World Cup. His association with the franchise also stretches back over a decade, having been RR’s mentor in 2014 and 2015. As a player and captain, Dravid represented the RR between 2011 and 2013, featuring in 46 matches and scoring 1,276 runs at an average of 29.00, including seven half-centuries as well.

Rahul Dravid resigns as RR head coach ahead of IPL 2026

Adding to the uncertainty, speculation continues to swirl around the future of captain Sanju Samson. Several reports suggested that RR were in discussions with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) regarding potential trades, but neither deal materialized. While Samson has publicly stated his desire to remain with the franchise that first backed him, rumours of internal divisions persist.

Insiders hint the Royals’ dressing room is currently split into three camps, with Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Samson at the centre of debate for a leadership role ahead of the 2026 edition of the tournament. Questions over the skipper's appointment going forward remain unresolved, with conflicting opinions within the franchise hierarchy about the captaincy.

With the departures of both Dravid and McCrum, along with uncertainty surrounding their long-time skipper, RR now face a crucial period of transition. RR finished ninth in the IPL 2025 with four wins and will look to come back stronger in the next IPL. They will aim to get close to the final and try to clinch the prestigious trophy for the second time.