Published on: Nov 19, 2025 3:49 pm IST|Updated on: Nov 24, 2025 3:49 pm IST
In a strategic move ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Rajasthan Royals have reappointed Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach. The announcement marks a return to familiar territory for Sangakkara, who previously held the role from 2021 to 2024, a period that saw them playing in the IPL 2022 final.
Sangakkara’s reappointment comes after the departure of Rahul Dravid, who had a brief second stint with the franchise in IPL 2025. The Royals, who failed to make the playoffs last season, have opted for stability and experience by reinstating the man who previously led them to one of their most successful phases in recent history.
Sangakkara will also continue in his role as Director of Cricket, a dual responsibility he handled even during Dravid’s tenure in 2025. His return is seen as a move to restore tactical clarity and long-term vision to the Royals’ setup.
During his first tenure from 2021 to 2024, Kumar Sangakkara transformed the Royals from perennial underachievers into a consistent playoff threat. With him at the helm, Royals reached the playoffs twice in four seasons, including a final in 2022 where they unfortunately lost to the Gujarat Titans.
Here’s a snapshot of Rajasthan Royals’ performance under Sangakkara:
Across four seasons, Kumar Sangakkara oversaw 29 wins in 56 matches, giving him a win percentage of 51.8%, the highest for any RR coach with more than one season in charge.
RR lead owner Manoj Badale expressed confidence in Sangakkara’s return, stating,
“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.”
Kumar Sangakkara won’t be alone in the dugout. The Royals have also bolstered their support staff:
This experienced group is expected to provide a well-rounded support system for the squad, blending international expertise with domestic insight.
With the IPL 2026 auction looming, Sangakkara’s immediate focus will be on squad composition. The Royals have let go of their biggest acquisition for years, Sanju Samson, via a trade with Chennai Super Kings, and in return got Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Here’s how the squad stands for the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auctions slated to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
Released: Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Kunal Singh Rathore, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Sanju Samson (traded to CSK), Nitish Rana (traded to DC)
Retained: Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Tushar Deshpande, Dhruv Jurel, Jofra Archer, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Nandre Burger, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh, Ravindra Jadeja (traded in from CSK), Sam Curran (traded in from CSK)
The franchise will also be keen to address their inconsistency in crunch games, a factor that cost them dearly in 2023, 2024, and 2025. With Sangakkara back at the helm, fans and analysts alike are optimistic about a more composed and competitive Royals outfit.
Tags: IPL 2026