Kumar Sangakkara to Lead Rajasthan Royals Coaching Staff

Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara was the Rajasthan Royals' (RR) Director of Cricket from 2021. But he also acted as the franchise's head coach until the 2024 season of the tournament. In IPL 2025, the job for Sangakkara was cut back following the appointment of Rahul Dravid as head coach. 

Dravid led RR in IPL 2012 and 2013. He also acted as their mentor in the next two seasons. The Royals had a poor season in IPL 2025, winning only four of their 14 games. They were ninth on the table. Dravid left the franchise once the tournament was over, not willing to assume a bigger role. Having guided India to victory in the T20 World Cup in 2024, the 52-year-old had signed a multi-year contract with the first-time champions. But his association came to a very sudden end. 

ESPNcricinfo reports that Sangakkara may return to lead the coaching team before IPL 2026. If he will be back in the head coach's role is yet to be known. 

If Sangakkara does accept a greater role in the franchise, his plates will be full, as he will be forced to find a perfect replacement for Sanju Samson. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter has been the Royals' captain since 2021. That being said, reports suggest that he is seeking a change before IPL 2026. 

The Royals seem to have spoken to several franchises regarding potentially trading the 30-year-old. Yet, the Pulluvila-born remains a part of the Rajasthan-based team. Samson was one of the six players retained by the Royals last year preceding the mega auction. His services were picked up for a record INR 18 crore. But he didn't meet his expectations as he missed five games owing to injuries. 

Sangakkara was the first RR coach to lead Rajasthan into the IPL finals after their 2008 title-winning campaign in the inaugural season. Under Samson, Rajasthan reached the final of IPL 2022, where they were outgunned by newcomers Gujarat Titans. In his initial tenure as RR head coach, the franchise made it into the playoffs twice in four seasons. He is likely to be an integral part as the franchise looks to have a rebirth in 2026.