Rajasthan Royals have officially announced the return of Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, who will take charge as both head coach and director of cricket for IPL 2026. The former RR coach steps back into a role previously left vacant after Rahul Dravid’s departure in August 2025, following a disappointing season where Rajasthan finished ninth—their lowest since 2021.
Alongside Sangakkara’s comeback, the franchise has also confirmed that Vikram Rathour, who served as the batting coach last season, has been elevated to the position of assistant coach. Rathour earlier worked extensively with the Indian men’s cricket team as batting coach from 2019 to 2024 and later joined Dravid’s staff at RR.
Sangakkara’s earlier stint with the Royals between 2021 and 2024 coincided with a “phase of growth and improved consistency,” the franchise noted in its announcement.
‘We Trust Kumar Completely’: Royals Management
Manoj Badale, Lead Owner of Rajasthan Royals, expressed confidence in Sangakkara’s leadership:
“We are delighted to have Kumar return as head coach. At this point, his connection with the squad, his understanding of our culture, and his calm leadership will bring the stability we need.”
Badale added that Sangakkara’s clarity and cricketing intelligence make him a crucial figure in steering the team’s next chapter.
Coaching Staff Retained for Stability
The Royals are opting for continuity in the coaching department.
-
Shane Bond remains as fast-bowling coach
-
Trevor Penney returns as assistant coach
-
Sid Lahiri continues as performance coach
‘Honoured to Be Back’: Sangakkara
Reacting to the announcement, Sangakkara said:
“I’m honoured to return as head coach and continue working with this talented group. With Vikram, Trevor, Shane, and Sid alongside me, we’re focused on preparing the players in the best possible way.”
He added that the team now has a clear roadmap and aims to play with “clarity, resilience, and purpose.”
Captaincy Void & Auction Strategy
One of the biggest tasks for Sangakkara will be identifying a new captain after Sanju Samson’s exit. The long-time RR captain was recently traded to Chennai Super Kings, with RR receiving superstar all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and England all-rounder Sam Curran in return.
Rajasthan also made other significant trades, sending Nitish Rana to Delhi Capitals and acquiring South African all-rounder Donovan Ferreira.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, RR released several players, including:
Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Kunal Singh Rathore, Maheesh Theekshana, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Rajasthan Royals will enter the auction with ₹16.05 crore remaining in their salary purse and nine slots to fill, including one overseas spot.