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Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has been reappointed as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Sangakkara, who is also serving as the Director of Cricket of the Royals' franchise, will double as head coach. He will replace India legend Rahul Dravid, who stepped down from his post earlier this year.
RR sacked Dravid after their dismal campaign in IPL 2025, where they finished a disappointing 9th. Dravid had replaced Sangakkara, who was promoted as the Director of Cricket for the Royals' franchises, last year. The India legend's departure has prompted the owners to bring Sangakkara back in charge.
Sangakkara served as Rajasthan Royals head coach for four seasons from 2021 to 2024 in his first stint with the franchise. During his reign, the Rajasthan Royals made it to the final in IPL 2022, where they lost to the Mumbai Indians. RR also made it to two playoffs in four seasons under Sangakkara's guidance. The Sri Lanka legend formed a formidable captain-coach relationship with former skipper Sanju Samson during his stint as head coach and is often credited with transforming the franchise.
"The goal is always constant. We want to win the IPL. That doesn't change," Sangakkara said after taking over as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals.
RR have confirmed Sangakkara's appointment as head coach after announcing their final list of retained and released players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, which is set to take place on December 16. RR were among the most active teams in the trading window before the IPL 2026 retentions deadline, as they were involved in a couple of high-profile trades.
RR traded their former captain, Sanju Samson, to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in exchange for star India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and England all-rounder Sam Curran. RR also traded Nitish Rana to the Delhi Capitals and roped in South African batter Donovan Ferreira from the franchise.
RR released seven players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, including the Sri Lankan duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. They retained the majority of their core and will head into the IPL 2026 auction with a purse of Rs 16.05 crore. Sangakkara is expected to be heavily involved in the decision-making and strategies ahead of the auction.
