Kumar Sangakkara's return as head coach of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season marks a significant shift for the franchise. The announcement on Monday, November 17, 2025, comes after Rahul Dravid's departure following a disappointing 2025 season, where the Royals finished ninth out of ten teams. Sangakkara, who previously served as the Royals' head coach from 2021 to 2024 and has been the Director of Cricket since 2021, is now set to take on a dual role, steering the team both strategically and tactically.
Sangakkara's earlier tenure as head coach saw a resurgence in the team's performance. Under his guidance, RR reached the IPL final in 2022 after a 17-year wait, ultimately finishing as runners-up to the Gujarat Titans. The team also qualified for the playoffs in 2024, solidifying their position as a competitive force in the league. This track record highlights Sangakkara's ability to build a strong and cohesive unit, fostering a culture of competitiveness and resilience.
The decision to bring Sangakkara back as head coach reflects the Rajasthan Royals' desire for stability and continuity. According to Manoj Badale, the lead owner of the Rajasthan Royals, Sangakkara's familiarity with the squad, leadership qualities, and understanding of the Royals' culture make him the ideal choice to guide the team forward. Badale emphasized Sangakkara's "clarity, calmness, and cricketing intelligence" as crucial assets for the team's next phase.
Sangakkara himself has expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the role. In a statement, he conveyed his honor in continuing to work with the talented group of players and highlighted the importance of a strong coaching team. He emphasized the team's clear understanding of their goals and their commitment to building a team that plays with "clarity, resilience, and purpose".
To support Sangakkara, the Rajasthan Royals have also announced changes to the coaching staff. Vikram Rathour has been elevated to lead assistant coach, focusing on batting development and tactical preparation. Shane Bond will continue as the fast bowling coach, providing continuity to the pace program. Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri will also maintain their positions as assistant coach and performance coach, respectively.
The Rajasthan Royals have also made significant changes to their playing staff. In a notable trade, Sanju Samson, has been traded to Chennai Super Kings. In return, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have been brought into the Royals' camp. Additionally, the team has released seven players, including three overseas players, in preparation for the upcoming mini-auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. These changes indicate a strategic effort to revamp the team and address areas that need strengthening.
Kumar Sangakkara's return as head coach signifies a renewed focus on building a strong foundation and fostering a winning culture within the Rajasthan Royals. His previous success with the team, combined with the restructured coaching staff and strategic player acquisitions, positions the Royals for a competitive showing in the IPL 2026 season. The franchise and its fans will be hoping that Sangakkara's leadership and expertise can guide the team to their second IPL title.
