Sangakkara Steps Up as Rajasthan Royals' New Head Coach
In a significant development for Indian Premier League cricket, Kumar Sangakkara has been officially reappointed as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2026 season. This appointment comes following the departure of former coach Rahul Dravid earlier this year.
Transition from Director of Cricket to Head Coach
The Sri Lankan cricket legend, who has been serving as the franchise's Director of Cricket since 2021, will now take on the additional responsibilities of head coach. The transition marks a strategic move by the Royals management to maintain continuity within their coaching structure.
The coaching vacancy emerged when Rahul Dravid left the franchise in August 2025, creating an opportunity for Sangakkara to step into a more hands-on role with the team. His deep understanding of the franchise's philosophy and player development programs made him the natural choice for this crucial position.
Proven Leadership and Strategic Vision
Sangakkara brings substantial experience and cricketing wisdom to his new role. During his tenure as Director of Cricket, he played a pivotal role in shaping the team's strategy and talent acquisition. His appointment signals the franchise's confidence in his ability to lead the team to success in the upcoming seasons.
The announcement, made public on November 17, 2025, has generated significant excitement among Rajasthan Royals fans. Sangakkara's understanding of the modern game and his previous experience with the franchise positions him ideally to build on the team's existing strengths while addressing areas that need improvement.
With this appointment, Rajasthan Royals have opted for stability and internal promotion rather than seeking external candidates. This decision reflects the management's belief in Sangakkara's vision and his capability to guide the team through the competitive challenges of IPL 2026.
