Follow UsChanges galore at the Rajasthan Royals (RR), as the inaugural IPL champions have re-appointed Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach ahead of the IPL 2026 season, on November 17 (Monday). It isn’t a new role for Sangakkara, who previously doubled up as the Royals head coach while also serving as the Director of Cricket.
It was under Sangakkara’s leadership as coach that the Royals reached the final in IPL 2022, and then reached the playoffs in IPL 2024, where they eventually lost against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Barring that, the franchise are also set to make changes in its leadership group, as their long-time skipper Sanju Samson has been traded to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). It has been heavily speculated that Ravindra Jadeja is set to take over as the Royals’ skipper ahead of the new IPL season.
"As we looked at what the team needed at this stage, we felt that his familiarity within the squad, his leadership and his deep understanding of the Royals culture would bring the right balance of continuity and stability,” Royals’ owner Manoj Badale said, reported Cricbuzz.
"Kumar has always had our complete trust as a leader. His clarity, calmness and cricketing intelligence will play an important role in guiding the squad into this next phase."
Vikram Rathour, who served as the batting coach last season, will now be the Lead Assistant coach. Shane Bond will continue in his role as the bowling coach.