IPL 2026: Complete List Of Head Coaches For Every Franchise

Sangakkara Returns as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach for IPL 2026: Sri Lankan cricket great Kumar Sangakkara is officially back as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals for the 2026 IPL season. The announcement came on Monday, following Rahul Dravid’s unexpected exit from the role earlier this year.

Dravid had stepped away from the franchise in August despite signing a multi-year deal for the 2025 season. With his departure, RR turned once again to Sangakkara, who had already coached the team from 2021 to 2024.

- Advertisement -

The franchise confirmed the news with a post on X, stating, “Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara will also take charge as Head Coach for IPL 2026.”

Dravid’s Short Return Comes to a Sudden End

Dravid’s second stint with Rajasthan ended much sooner than expected. The T20 World Cup-winning coach left after what the team described as a “structural review” following a disappointing season. RR struggled heavily in the 2025 campaign, finishing ninth out of ten teams with just four wins from 14 matches.

- Advertisement -

KKR Also Announces a New Head Coach

Rajasthan isn’t the only team making changes. On October 30, Kolkata Knight Riders appointed Abhishek Nayar as their head coach for IPL 2026. His promotion came after Chandrakant Pandit’s three-year tenure ended.

Nayar has been closely involved with KKR since 2018 and is seen as an important part of their leadership group. He was also part of Gautam Gambhir’s support staff with the national team for several months before being removed after India’s Champions Trophy victory, with Sitanshu Kotak taking over his position.

Full List of IPL 2026 Head Coaches

Here’s how the coaching lineup looks across all franchises for the upcoming season:

- Advertisement -

Rajasthan Royals: Kumar Sangakkara will lead the team as head coach.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Abhishek Nayar takes charge as head coach.

Mumbai Indians: Mahela Jayawardene continues in his role after being reappointed last season. He previously coached MI from 2017 to 2022.

Chennai Super Kings: Stephen Fleming, who first became CSK coach in 2009, will once again guide the team.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions RCB will continue with Andy Flower as head coach.

Lucknow Super Giants: Justin Langer stays on as head coach, with Bharat Arun continuing as fast-bowling coach.

Gujarat Titans: The team has not officially announced its head coach yet, though their website still lists Ashish Nehra, appointed in 2022, in that role.