Rajasthan Royals have appointed Kumar Sangakkara as their new head coach ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The franchise announced the decision on Monday, November 17. Sangakkara had been serving as the Director of Cricket Operations until now. He will now take up coaching duties again after the team parted ways with Rahul Dravid a short while ago.
The Royals also confirmed that there will be no new Director of Cricket. Sangakkara will continue in a dual role. This means he will manage both cricket operations and head coaching responsibilities. The Sri Lankan legend said that his main focus is to help the team finally win their second IPL title. RR have been waiting since 2008, when they lifted the trophy in the inaugural season.
While speaking about his goals, Sangakkara shared his thoughts.
“Well the goal, it always remains a constant. We want to win the IPL. How we do it will change. The other things that remain constant are your team culture, your values, and standards. That’s an absolute necessity. Seasons don’t always go the way everyone wants it to go or plans it to go. That’s the beauty of the IPL and that’s what makes it exciting. Because you are competing against nine other sides who want to win the trophy. I know that it’s been long years of waiting for 2008,” Sangakkara said upon the announcement.
Changes in the Rajasthan Royals Coaching Group and Leadership in IPL 2026
The Royals also announced changes in the support staff. Vikram Rathour will now take charge as the lead assistant coach. He has been retained by the franchise but with a modified role for the upcoming season. His experience will be important as RR prepares for a new era.
A bigger question for the team is their leadership. For the first time, the Royals will play without Sanju Samson, who has been their captain for several years. The team traded him to Chennai Super Kings in a major deal. The franchise is now expected to hand the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja in 2026.
Jadeja is set for a special homecoming. He returns to the franchise after eighteen years. RR traded for Jadeja for INR 14 crore and also received Sam Curran for INR 2.4 crore. In exchange, they sent Samson to CSK for INR 16.2 crore.
With a new coach, a new captain, and key new players, Rajasthan Royals will enter IPL 2026 with fresh energy and big expectations.
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