New Delhi |Rajasthan Royals on Monday announced the appointment of Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, following the exit of Rahul Dravid from the role.
Dravid had left the 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.
"Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara will also take charge as Head Coach for IPL 2026," Rajasthan Royals posted on X.
RR's lead owner Manoj Badale said in a statement, "We are delighted to have Kumar return as head coach. 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," he added.
It was an abrupt end for former India captain Dravid's tenure after returning to the franchise for the 2025 season with a multi-year contract.
The T20 World Cup-winning former national coach exited after a "structural review" of the team's poor performance earlier this year.
The franchise endured a terrible run, finishing ninth in the 10-team event with just four wins from 14 games.
Sangakkara's return as head coach comes days after the Royals completed the trade of their wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who will join Chennai Super Kings.
In return, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have been roped in by the Royals' camp.
RR have 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.
