Sangakkara back at RR helm

Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara is set for a full-time return as Rajasthan Royals head coach, stepping in after Rahul Dravid’s exit. The franchise confirmed that Sangakkara, who has been with RR as Director of Cricket since 2021, will lead the coaching staff from the 2026 IPL season.

Sangakkara has previously doubled up as head coach and enjoyed mixed but promising results. Under his guidance, the Sanju Samson-led side reached the playoffs twice in four years, including a memorable run to the 2022 final, their first since winning the inaugural IPL in 2008. They eventually lost to Gujarat Titans in that title clash. After a mid-table finish in 2023, RR again entered the playoffs in 2024 but fell short in Qualifier 2.

Dravid, who captained and later mentored the Royals earlier in his career, joined them as head coach in 2024 after guiding India to a T20 World Cup triumph. His departure has opened the door for Sangakkara’s second stint in the role.

One of Sangakkara’s immediate challenges will be to address the leadership issue, as Samson has asked to be released following an injury-hit 2025 season, where he featured in only nine matches.