Prolific former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara will take over the charge of coaching duties at Rajasthan Royals (RR) after Rahul Dravid left his position as head coach. Having already been Director of Cricket and a de facto head coach since 2021, Sangakkara will now officially head the coaching department as RR prepares for the IPL 2026 season.
Rahul Dravid’s Short Stay with Rajasthan Royals
Dravid, who had joined RR following his leadership of India to a historic T20 World Cup win in 2024, got a multi-year contract to take up the role of the franchise’s head coach before IPL 2025. Though his calibre, Dravid’s stint was short-lived. RR had only four victories in 14 games in the 2025 season, finishing at number nine on the points table.
After a structural audit in the post-season, RR offered an expanded leadership role to Dravid, which he declined. The franchise Rajasthan Royals then agreed to part ways with the ex-Indian great mutually.
Kumar Sangakkara’s Well-Established Track Record with RR
Kumar Sangakkara, who first signed up with RR in 2021, served in dual capacities as Director of Cricket and head coach. In his tenure:
- RR made it to the IPL final in 2022, their first since winning the championship in 2008, although they were defeated by the Gujarat Titans.
- The team made the playoffs twice in four years (2022, 2024).
- They were fifth in 2023 and were defeated in Qualifier 2 in 2024.
- Sangakkara is already involved informally in planning strategy for 2026 and will be in a more influential, hands-on role from now on.
Major Challenge Ahead: Captaincy Post Sanju Samson’s Exit Request
One of the first tasks in front of Kumar Sangakkara will be to sort out the captaincy issue with RR. Veteran captain Sanju Samson has apparently requested to release him from the franchise after the 2025 season.
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Although one of the six players acquired by the franchise prior to the 2025 mega auction for INR 18 crore (~USD 2.14 million), Samson’s 2025 campaign was interrupted by a side strain that kept him to just nine matches. His limited participation and the team’s lack of success, seemed to have a role in his choice to pursue a fresh start.
RR has also been said to have pursued trade possibilities with other franchises but has not come to a settlement yet. Official word about Samson’s destiny will likely come nearer the IPL retention deadline, around the end of November.
Continuity in Support Staff
As part of the revamped coaching setup under Sangakkara:
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- Former India assistant coach Vikram Rathour, who worked under Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid, will remain assistant coach.
- Shane Bond, a former New Zealand pacer and former Mumbai Indians bowling coach, is also likely to continue in his position as the bowling coach.
- Trevor Penney and Siddhartha Lahiri, who were part of RR when Sangakkara was with them, are likely to join the scheme again for IPL 2026.
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