Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Kumar Sangakkara Returns as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach for IPL 2026
The Rajasthan Royals cricket team is welcoming back their old coach, Kumar Sangakkara, for the next big tournament, IPL 2026.
He was their coach before and did a great job, taking them to the finals once and the playoffs another time.
Last year, when he had a different job and another coach was in charge, the team didn't do so well.
Now, the team's bosses decided they need Sangakkara back as the main coach.
He's excited to work with new players and a new captain because their old captain was traded.
He also needs to find good new players in the upcoming auction.
Sangakkara hopes to make the team strong again and win the championship.
Kumar Sangakkara returns as head coach of Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026, retaining his role as Director of Cricket.
His first tenure (2021-2024) saw the team reach the IPL final in 2022 and the playoffs in 2024, marking a period of consistent performance.
The 2025 season was a setback, with the team finishing ninth after former coach Rahul Dravid's tenure.
A major challenge for Sangakkara is the departure of captain Sanju Samson, traded to Chennai Super Kings for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Sangakkara will focus on strengthening the squad through the IPL 2026 auction, particularly seeking better bowling options.
- Who
- Kumar Sangakkara
- What
- Returns as Head Coach and continues as Director of Cricket for the Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026.
- When
- Announced on Monday, ahead of IPL 2026.
- Where
- Rajasthan Royals franchise.
- Why
- To rebuild the franchise, improve leadership, and aim for a second IPL title after a disappointing 2025 season.
Past Performance
Future Outlook
Team's Overall Success Under Sangakkara
Past Performance
During Sangakkara's first tenure (2021-2024), RR reached the IPL final in 2022, the playoffs in 2024, and consistently performed better than in previous years, showing improvement and a stronger competitive spirit.
Future Outlook
Despite past successes, the team experienced a significant downturn in 2025 under different leadership, finishing ninth, which highlights the challenge of sustained performance and the need for rebuilding.
Impact of Captaincy Change
Past Performance
Sangakkara's return comes after the departure of long-time captain Sanju Samson, who was traded to Chennai Super Kings. This necessitates finding new leadership and integrating new players like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Future Outlook
The franchise is placing faith in Sangakkara's ability to manage this transition and build a new team dynamic, emphasizing his role in guiding the team through major leadership changes.
- Coach
- Kumar Sangakkara
- Team
- Rajasthan Royals
- Tournament
- IPL 2026
- Sangakkara's Previous Role
- Director of Cricket
- Previous Head Coach
- Rahul Dravid
- Key Trade
- Sanju Samson traded to Chennai Super Kings for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran
- Sangakkara's First Tenure Period
- 2021-2024