Kumar Sangakkara returns as Rajasthan Royals head coach for IPL 2026, taking on a dual role as Director of Cricket and Head Coach. Replacing Rahul Dravid, Sangakkara aims to lead the team to its second IPL title, backed by a strong coaching staff and new signings like Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja, while preparing for the mega auction in December.
Kumar Sangakkara Returns as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach for IPL 2026
Kumar Sangakkara, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, has been appointed as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Sangakkara, who has already been serving as the franchise’s Director of Cricket, will now take on the dual responsibility of leading the team on and off the field. He replaces Rahul Dravid, who coached the Royals in the 2025 season.
Kumar Sangakkara, 48, has a long history with the Royals, having served as the head coach from 2021 to 2024. Under his guidance, Rajasthan Royals reached the IPL 2022 final and qualified for the playoffs in 2024. After Dravid’s tenure ended with a disappointing ninth-place finish in 2025, the franchise decided to bring back Sangakkara to restore stability and leadership.
“I’m honoured to return as Head Coach and continue working with this talented group. I’m also pleased to have a strong coaching team alongside me. Vikram, Trevor, Shane, and Sid each bring valuable experience in their areas, and together we are focused on preparing the players in the best possible way,” Sangakkara stated in an official announcement.
He further added, “We have a clear understanding of where we want to go as a group, and our aim is to build a team that plays with clarity, resilience, and purpose.”
Coaching Team and Support Staff
Vikram Rathour has been promoted to assistant coach, focusing on batting development, game strategies, and overall team preparation alongside Sangakkara. Shane Bond will continue as the fast bowling coach, providing continuity to the Royals’ pace attack. Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri will maintain their roles as assistant coach and performance coach, respectively.
Manoj Badale, lead owner of the Rajasthan Royals, expressed confidence in Kumar Sangakkara’s return: “Kumar’s familiarity with the squad, his leadership, and his deep understanding of the Royals’ culture bring the right balance of continuity and stability. His clarity, calmness, and cricketing intelligence will guide the squad into this next phase.”
Team Changes Ahead of IPL 2026
The Royals have already made key moves ahead of the upcoming mega auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Star batsman Sanju Samson has been traded to the Chennai Super Kings, while the team has secured all-rounders Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja. With Sangakkara at the helm, Rajasthan Royals will aim to strengthen their squad and contend strongly for their second IPL title.
