IPL 2026: Kumar Sangakkara Returns to Lead Rajasthan Royals as Head Coach

On Monday, the Rajasthan Royals announced that Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara will resume his role as head coach for the upcoming 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Sangakkara previously held the position from 2021 to 2024 before being appointed as director of cricket last year while Rahul Dravid took on the coaching duties for IPL 2025. Dravid subsequently parted ways with the franchise in August.

In addition to Sangakkara’s return, the Royals have made further adjustments to their coaching staff. Vikram Rathour has been promoted to lead assistant coach, while Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri have rejoined the team as assistant coach and performance coach, respectively. Shane Bond, who became a part of the Royals in 2024, will remain the fast bowling coach.

The team also made a notable move in their roster by trading long-time captain Sanju Samson to the Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Manoj Badale, the lead owner of the Royals, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Kumar back as head coach. In evaluating the team’s current needs, we believed his familiarity with the squad, leadership qualities, and deep understanding of the Royals culture would provide the right blend of continuity and stability.”

He added, “Kumar has always had our complete trust as a leader. His clarity, calmness, and cricketing intelligence will play an important role as we guide the squad into this new phase.”

This follows the unexpected conclusion of Dravid’s stint with the franchise after he returned for the 2025 season under a multi-year agreement. His departure came as part of a “structural review” due to the team’s unsatisfactory performance, finishing ninth in the 10-team league with only four victories from 14 matches. The trading of Sanju Samson for Jadeja and Curran further highlights the Royals’ significant roster adjustments.

Published on November 17, 2025.