Kumar Sangakkara returns to lead Rajasthan Royals as head coach, replacing Rahul Dravid.

The Rajasthan Royals have announced a major leadership shake-up ahead of the IPL 2026 season: Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara is back as their head coach, taking over from Rahul Dravid, whose one-year tenure ended after a disappointing 2025 campaign. 

Sangakkara, who has been serving as the Director of Cricket for the franchise since 2021, will now double up as head coach again. This is not his first stint in this role — he previously coached the Royals between 2021 and 2024. 

The decision comes after Rajasthan Royals endured a sub-par season in 2025, finishing ninth in the 10-team league. Lead owner Manoj Badale expressed confidence in Sangakkara’s leadership, citing his deep understanding of the team culture, his calm decision-making, and cricketing intelligence. 

Sangakkara, in his statement, said he feels “honoured to return” and is ready to work with a strong coaching team, including Vikram Rathour (assistant coach), Trevor Penney (assistant), Sid Lahiri (performance coach), and Shane Bond (fast bowling coach), among others. 

Under Sangakkara’s earlier guidance, the Royals reached the IPL final in 2022 — their first final since their 2008 title win — and made the playoffs again in 2024. His return is being seen as a bid to restore stability and reignite the franchise’s competitive edge.

As they gear up for the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi (scheduled for December 16), Sangakkara will play a key role in shaping the squad. The Royals are counting on his leadership to build a team that blends clarity, resilience, and purpose — and helps them bounce back strongly after a tough

season.