Rajasthan Royals have reappointed Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara as the team’s head coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, the inaugural champions confirmed on Monday.
Sangakkara, who served in the role between 2021 and 2024, was promoted to director of cricket role last year. He will now take over the head coach position from Rahul Dravid who completed the IPL 2025 season in his second stint at the helm of the Jaipur-based franchise.
During his first tenure as coach, Sangakkara ended the Royals’ 17-year wait to reach another final. They, however, finished runners-up behind Gujarat Titans.
Rajasthan Royals lead Owner Manoj Badale appreciated Sangakkara’s influence on the franchise ahead of his return in a more involved position next season.
“We are delighted to have Kumar return as Head Coach. His familiarity within the squad, his leadership and deep understanding of the Royals culture bring the right balance of continuity and stability,” Badale said. “Kumar has always had our complete trust as a leader. His clarity, calmness and cricketing intelligence will be vital as we enter the next phase.”
“I’m honoured to return as Head Coach and continue working with this talented group,” Sangakkara said in a franchise statement. “With a strong coaching team alongside me, 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.”
Royals also named other changes to the coaching staff with Vikram Rathour elevated to lead assistant coach, and Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri returning as assistant coach and performance coach, respectively.
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Shane Bond, who joined the Royals in 2024, will continue as the fast bowling coach.
The Royals also made an eye-catching personnel change in the playing staff by trading long-serving captain Sanju Samson for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from Chennai Super Kings.
