Kumar Sangakkara has officially been confirmed as Rajasthan Royals’ head coach and director of cricket for IPL 2026, solidifying a leadership role he had already handled throughout IPL 2025. Former batting coach Vikram Rathour steps up as assistant coach, joining a seasoned backroom team featuring Shane Bond, Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri.
Sangakkara previously coached RR from 2021 to 2024, a period marked by a resurgence that included a finals appearance in 2022 and playoffs in 2024. Franchise lead owner Manoj Badale said Sangakkara’s “clarity, calmness and cricketing intelligence” made him the ideal figure to guide RR into their next phase.
The Sri Lankan legend said he was “honoured to return,” praising the strong support staff around him and emphasising a team philosophy built on “clarity, resilience, and purpose.” The management will now work with a new captain, after RR traded out Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
RR have released or traded out several players including Nitish Rana, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. Heading into the upcoming auction, they carry a purse of INR 16.05 crore with nine slots to fill, including one overseas.
