Sangakkara has been serving as the Director of Cricket for the Royals franchise since 2021.
Ahead of the start of IPL 2026, significant news is emerging regarding the Rajasthan Royals (RR) team. Former Sri Lankan cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara, who has been serving as the team’s Director of Cricket since 2021, may now be given the additional responsibility of coaching.
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It is worth noting that he served as the team’s head coach until 2024, but prior to IPL 2025, former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid was appointed as the team’s head coach. However, Dravid recently decided to leave the franchise. Dravid captained the Rajasthan Royals in the 2012-13 season and worked with the team as a mentor for a few seasons after that.
But after Dravid’s departure, the franchise is now reconsidering bringing Kumar Sangakkara into the team’s coaching setup. According to ESPN Cricinfo, he could take charge of the coaching staff before IPL 2026. However, it is not yet clear whether he will return to the role of head coach.
If Sangakkara takes on a more prominent role in the franchise, he will have a significant task ahead of him, as he will need to find an ideal replacement for Sanju Samson. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman has been captaining the Royals since 2021.
However, according to reports, he is hoping for a change before IPL 2026. Reports also claimed that RR may release Sanju.
RR reached the final for the second time under Sangakkara’s coaching
It’s worth noting that Sangakkara was the first coach to lead Rajasthan to the finals after winning the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Under Samson’s captaincy, Rajasthan reached the final of IPL 2022, where they were defeated by debutants Gujarat Titans.
During Sangakkara’s first stint as Rajasthan’s head coach, the franchise reached the playoffs twice in four seasons. If he takes over the role again, the team will be looking to replicate this performance.
