Kumar Sangakkara returns to lead Rajasthan Royals’ coaching: tasks, timeline, and what changes next

Kumar Sangakkara is back in a lead role to helm Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) coaching staff, stepping in after Rahul Dravid parted ways with the franchise following IPL 2025. Sangakkara, who has served as RR’s Director of Cricket since 2021 and previously doubled as head coach, has already begun planning for the 2026 season in an informal capacity.

Why Sangakkara, why now

RR endured a difficult 2025, finishing ninth with four wins in 14 matches. After a structural review, the franchise “offered a broader position” to Rahul Dravid, which he “chose not to take,” and both parties agreed to part ways. Given Sangakkara’s deep familiarity with RR’s systems, scouting, and player development since 2021, his return to the dugout leadership provides continuity and clarity ahead of a pivotal rebuild.

“Based on a structural review of the franchise… Dravid was offered a broader position but he had chosen not to take.”

Sangakkara’s first big call: captaincy

The top item on Sangakkara’s agenda is the captaincy. Sanju Samson, retained ahead of the 2025 mega auction for INR 18 crore, has asked to be released after the 2025 season. RR sounded out trade options with multiple franchises but have not reached an agreement. The official stance remains reserved pending the auction and retention calendar, with the league’s retention deadline typically toward the end of November. Until a final call, RR must prepare two parallel leadership plans—one with Samson, one without him.

RR under Sangakkara: the recent track

Sangakkara’s four-season impact (as Director of Cricket and acting head coach until 2024) is tangible. RR returned to the playoffs twice and reached the 2022 final—their first since the title win in 2008—before losing to Gujarat Titans. The fifth-place finish in 2023 was followed by another playoff run in 2024, ending at Qualifier 2. The 2025 downturn under a fresh coaching arrangement sharpened the need for a familiar, decisive hand at the helm.

RR’s results snapshot (2021–2025)

• 2022: Finalists (lost to Gujarat Titans)

• 2023: 5th place

• 2024: Playoffs (lost in Qualifier 2)

• 2025: 9th place (4 wins in 14)

Coaching staff: who stays, who returns

Sangakkara’s support cast is set to look experienced and balanced. RR are retaining batting assistant Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Shane Bond. The franchise is also lining up the returns of Trevor Penney and Siddhartha Lahiri, both of whom were part of Sangakkara’s earlier backroom group. This mix blends batting craft, white-ball bowling expertise, and high-performance fielding and skills work—key pillars for a turnaround.

Rajasthan Royals coaching and support (expected structure)

Note: RR are expected to confirm formal titles and job scopes when they announce the full bench for IPL 2026.

Sanju Samson: status, options, and deadlines

• Player status: Retained ahead of IPL 2025 for INR 18 crore; missed five matches in 2025 due to a side strain; has requested a release post-season.

• Trade landscape: RR explored trades via player swaps but have not found a suitable deal.

• Calendar: Retention windows usually close late November; all moves must align with official league timelines and auction rules.

Until there is clarity, Sangakkara must prepare leadership succession internally, assess senior voices in the group, and shape a captaincy framework that stabilises the XI and the dressing room.

What went wrong in 2025—and what must change

• Game finishing: RR frequently led games but failed to close tight finishes. Rehearsed end-overs roles with bat and ball will be a priority.

• Injuries and continuity: Samson’s side strain and intermittent availability hurt role consistency. Building redundancy in key roles is crucial.

• Bowling balance: White-ball control phases (overs 7–15) and death execution must be backed with data-led match-ups and deeper bench options.

• Fielding sharpness: Penney’s likely return aims to re-establish RR’s identity as an elite fielding unit.

Recruitment focus before IPL 2026

• Leadership clarity: Identify captain early to inform auction strategy and role definitions.

• Middle-order stability: Reinforce Nos. 5–7 with finishers who can flex up and down.

• Two-way all-rounders: Prioritise batters who bowl or bowlers who bat to maintain structural balance if injuries hit.

• Death bowling: Add specialist depth to support the primary closer.

• Fielding-first picks: Reinforce standards with athletic, high-IQ boundary riders and in-ring stoppers.

Dravid’s one-season stint: context and closure

Dravid, a Royals stalwart as captain (2012–13) and mentor (2014–15), took the head coach role after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup as India coach. Despite signing a multi-year deal, both parties agreed to separate after a season that fell below expectations and amid a structural rethink. While performance triggers change, the review and subsequent choices are aimed at long-term competitiveness rather than a knee-jerk reset.

What Sangakkara’s return signals

• Back-to-basics clarity: defined roles, stable batting order, and clearly owned bowling phases.

• Alignment from scouting to XI: The DoC lens at the heart of match-day tactics ensures a coherent pipeline-to-park approach.

• Accountability with continuity: Familiar leadership, proven support coaches, and a no-drift approach to in-game decisions.

With the auction window approaching and captaincy unresolved, Sangakkara’s early start on 2026 planning is as much about timelines as it is about trust. Expect sharp calls, not half-measures.