Rajasthan Royals have announced Kumar Sangakkara will return as head coach for IPL 2026, replacing Rahul Dravid who departed following the franchise’s disastrous ninth-place finish last season. The Sri Lankan legend, who has served as Director of Cricket since 2021, will now hold a dual role combining both positions.​

Dravid’s Abrupt Exit

Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended abruptly in August after just one season, despite signing a multi-year contract. The T20 World Cup-winning former India coach left following a “structural review” of the team’s poor performance.​

RR endured a terrible IPL 2025 campaign, finishing ninth in the 10-team competition with just four wins from 14 games—a stark contrast to their playoff appearances in previous years. The disappointing results prompted ownership to make swift changes.​

Sangakkara’s Proven Track Record

Sangakkara previously served as RR head coach from 2021 to 2024, a period marked by significant success. Under his leadership, the Royals reached the IPL 2022 final and returned to the playoffs in 2024, establishing themselves as one of the most consistently competitive sides.​

Lead owner Manoj Badale explained the decision: “We are delighted to have Kumar return as head coach. As we looked at what the team needed at this stage, we felt that his familiarity within the squad, his leadership and his deep understanding of the Royals culture would bring the right balance of continuity and stability”.​

“Kumar has always had our complete trust as a leader. His clarity, calmness and cricketing intelligence will play an important role in guiding the squad into this next phase,” Badale added.​

Sangakkara’s Dual Role

The 48-year-old will perform both head coach and Director of Cricket duties—a unique arrangement that gives him complete oversight of the franchise’s cricketing operations. “I’m honoured to return as head coach and continue working with this talented group,” Sangakkara said.​

“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. 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,” he added.​

Strengthened Coaching Staff

RR have also bolstered their coaching setup for 2026. Vikram Rathour has been elevated to lead assistant coach, working closely with Sangakkara on batting development, game plans and overall team preparation.​

Shane Bond continues as fast bowling coach, providing crucial continuity to the pace program. Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri return as assistant coach and performance coach respectively, adding depth and expertise to the backroom staff.​

Squad Overhaul

Sangakkara’s appointment comes amid major roster changes. RR recently completed the blockbuster trade sending Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.​

The franchise also released seven players ahead of the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi: Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Kunal Rathore, Maheesh Theekshana, and Wanindu Hasaranga.​

Road to Redemption

With Sangakkara back at the helm, RR aim to return to their winning ways after the disappointing 2025 campaign. His proven track record with the franchise—including a finals appearance and consistent playoff berths—offers hope that stability and familiarity can restore RR to championship contention.

The combination of an experienced coaching staff, strategic trades, and auction flexibility gives Sangakkara the tools needed to rebuild a competitive squad capable of challenging for IPL 2026 honors.