Sangakkara Returns to Helm Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026
In a significant move that marks a return to a familiar leadership structure, the Rajasthan Royals have officially reappointed Sri Lankan cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The announcement was made by the inaugural IPL champions on Monday, setting the stage for Sangakkara's highly anticipated return to the coaching dugout.
A Proven Leader Back in Charge
Kumar Sangakkara is no stranger to the Royals' setup, having previously served as the head coach between 2021 and 2024. His first tenure in the role was notably successful, as he masterminded the end of the franchise's 17-year wait to reach an IPL final. Under his guidance, the team showcased remarkable improvement, although they ultimately finished as runners-up to the Gujarat Titans. Following his coaching stint, Sangakkara was promoted to the role of Director of Cricket last year. He now steps back into the head coach position, taking over from the iconic Rahul Dravid, who completed the IPL 2025 season in his second stint leading the Jaipur-based franchise.
Front Office and Fan Confidence
The decision has been met with strong approval from the team's management. Rajasthan Royals lead owner, Manoj Badale, expressed his delight at Sangakkara's return to a more hands-on role. He highlighted the coach's deep-rooted connection with the team's culture and his proven leadership qualities. "We are delighted to have Kumar return as Head Coach," Badale stated. "His familiarity within the squad, his leadership and deep understanding of the Royals culture 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 be vital as we enter the next phase."
Echoing this sentiment, Sangakkara himself expressed honour at his reappointment. In an official franchise statement, he said, "I’m honoured to return as Head Coach and continue working with this talented group. 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."
Strategic Reshuffle in Coaching and Playing Squad
The Royals have not stopped at the head coach appointment. They have announced a comprehensive reshuffle of their support staff to build a robust team around Sangakkara. Vikram Rathour has been elevated to the position of Lead Assistant Coach, while Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri return as Assistant Coach and Performance Coach, respectively. Adding to the continuity, Shane Bond, who joined the Royals in 2024, will continue in his role as the Fast Bowling Coach.
In a major shake-up to the playing personnel, the franchise executed a blockbuster trade. They have moved on from their long-serving captain, Sanju Samson, acquiring the dynamic all-round duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from the Chennai Super Kings. This bold move signals a clear intent to reshape the team's core ahead of the 2026 season and provides Sangakkara with a new set of match-winners to build his strategy around.
