Overview
- Rajasthan Royals confirmed on November 17 that Kumar Sangakkara will serve as both head coach and director of cricket for the 2026 season.
- Sangakkara succeeds Rahul Dravid, who left in August after a one-year stint, and returns to the role he held from 2021 to 2024 when RR reached the 2022 final and the 2024 playoffs.
- Vikram Rathour has been elevated to lead assistant coach, with Shane Bond continuing as fast-bowling coach and Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri retained in assistant and performance roles.
- RR’s roster has been reshaped through a major trade that sent Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
- The franchise now turns to the mini-auction scheduled for December 16 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi to address remaining squad needs.