Kumar Sangakkara is set to return as head coach of the Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2026 season, marking a significant move ahead of the mega auction. The Jaipur-based franchise announced the decision on X on Monday, November 17, confirming Sangakkara’s transition back from his role as Director of Cricket—a position he took up in 2025 after Rahul Dravid assumed the head coach role.
Sangakkara’s association with the Royals isn’t new. The former Sri Lankan captain previously served as their head coach in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons, during which he led the team to considerable success. Under his guidance, Rajasthan reached the IPL 2022 final and featured in the second qualifier in 2024. With his return, the Royals aim to recapture that competitive edge.
Manoj Badale, the Rajasthan Royals’ Lead Owner, expressed confidence in Sangakkara’s reappointment, noting the value of his leadership, deep understanding of the Royals’ culture, and steady demeanour.
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“We are delighted to have Kumar return as head coach. His familiarity with the squad and cricketing intelligence brings continuity and stability,” Manoj Badale remarked. He emphasized Sangakkara’s calm presence and sharp insight as critical assets for the evolving squad.
🚨 Official: Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara will also take charge as Head Coach for IPL 2026 pic.twitter.com/4IRWoQM3mj
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 17, 2025
The head coach shuffle comes on the heels of major player movements ahead of the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi. In a blockbuster trade, Ravindra Jadeja returned to the Royals’ fold after 15 years, taking a pay cut of ₹4 crore to rejoin the franchise with which he debuted in 2008. The move also saw England all-rounder Sam Curran traded in from Chennai Super Kings.
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However, the Royals had to part ways with their long-serving captain and most capped player, Sanju Samson, as part of the deal. Samson, who accumulated 4,027 runs and led Rajasthan to 33 wins—the highest by a captain in their history—now heads to CSK. The trade underlines a bold rebuilding strategy as the Royals aim for a top finish in IPL 2026.
With Sangakkara at the helm and a reinforced squad featuring all-rounders of the calibre of Jadeja and Curran, the Rajasthan Royals appear poised to make a serious title charge in the coming season.
