Kumar Sangakkara all set to return as head coach of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 - Reports

Kumar Sangakkara has served as Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket since 2021.

Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara is all set to return as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, according to a report in ESPN Cricinfo. Sangakkara has been the Director of Cricket for the franchise since 2021 and will now be returning to the role he held previously.

Sangakkara served as the head coach of RR from IPL 2021 to 2024. Under his guidance, the franchise had a decent time, reaching the playoffs twice. The Sanju Samson-led side finished as runners-up in the 2022 edition and played Qualifier 2 in the 2024 edition.

The biggest task for Sangakkara as head coach will be solving RR’s captaincy issues. Notably, Samson has asked the franchise to release him ahead of IPL 2026. Also, there are rumours about Riyan Parag taking over the leadership and some rift inside the management.

Rahul Dravid quit as RR head coach ahead of IPL 2026

Rahul Dravid was appointed as the head coach of the franchise before IPL 2025. However, he parted ways with the side recently. Dravid was also offered a broader role in the team, but he chose not to take it.

The reports also suggested that RR will retain Vikram Rathour as the batting coach for the next season, while Shane Bond is likely to continue as the bowling coach. Moreover, Trevor Penney and Siddhartha Lahiri, who were part of Sangakkara’s support staff previously, are also set to return.

Meanwhile, the IPL 2008 Champions gave a horrible performance last season. Out of 14 games, they won just four games and lost 10 matches. With eight points, they finished at ninth spot in the points table.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.