Kumar Sangakkara reappointed as Rajasthan Royals' head coach

IPL 2026: Kumar Sangakkara reappointed as Rajasthan Royals' head coach

Rahul Dravid had left the RR franchise in August this year and Sangakkara, who has been the franchise's Director of Cricket since 2021, will be returning as the head coach having served in the same role from 2021-2024.

Kumar Sangakkara returned as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026, replacing outgoing Rahul Dravid. The ex-Sri Lankan cricketer had served as the head coach from 2021 to 2024. Under Sangakkara, the Rajasthan Royals reached the final in 2022 and the playoffs in 2024.

Rajasthan Royals announced on Monday (November 17, 2025) that Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, following the exit of Rahul Dravid from the role.

Sangakkara's return as head coach comes days after the Rajasthan Royals completed the trade of their wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who will join the Chennai Super Kings.

In return, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have been roped in by the Royals' camp. Meanwhile, RR also released a total of seven players, including three overseas, ahead of the mini auction to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

Among the players released by the Royals are Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Kunal Rathore, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga.