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Rajasthan Royals Restore Kumar Sangakkara as Head Coach for IPL 2026

The dual role restores continuity after Rahul Dravid's exit, setting Rajasthan's auction agenda.

Overview

  • The franchise confirmed Sangakkara will double as Director of Cricket and head coach, returning to a post he held from 2021 to 2024.
  • Vikram Rathour has been elevated to lead assistant coach, with Shane Bond retained as fast-bowling coach and Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri continuing in support roles.
  • Rajasthan recently traded long-time captain Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings and brought in Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, creating captaincy and wicketkeeping decisions to resolve.
  • RR will enter the mini-auction on December 16 at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena with a purse of Rs 16.05 crore, nine slots to fill and one overseas spot available.
  • The move follows a ninth-place finish in IPL 2025 under Dravid, while Sangakkara’s previous stint included a run to the 2022 final and a 2024 playoff berth.