Legendary Cricketer Returns as Head Coach of Rajasthan Royals
A familiar and much-admired figure is set to return to the Rajasthan Royals dressing room. Kumar Sangakkara, who played a key role in shaping the team’s tactical identity, cultural foundation, and competitive sharpness between 2021 and 2024, has officially been reinstated as the Head Coach. With the 2026 IPL season approaching, the Royals have confirmed that Sangakkara will also continue in his long-held role as Director of Cricket.
This move marks a renewed commitment to stability after the franchise spent the 2025 season under the guidance of Rahul Dravid. Rajasthan’s ownership believes that Sangakkara’s calm authority, analytical brilliance, and connection with players—especially the younger talents—position him as the ideal leader to take the franchise into the next strategic phase.
Under Sangakkara’s stewardship, the Royals enjoyed some of their most consistent seasons since their early glory days. The team reached the IPL Final in 2022 and qualified for the playoffs again in 2024. His reputation for nurturing a strong dressing-room culture, reinforcing discipline, and encouraging tactical adaptability has been praised widely across the franchise.
The Royals’ Lead Owner, Manoj Badale, elaborated on the decision, saying,
“At this stage of the team’s journey, we needed someone who understands the soul of the franchise. Sangakkara brings experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of the Rajasthan Royals identity. His clarity, temperament and cricket intelligence will be crucial as we prepare for the next chapter.”
Alongside Sangakkara’s return, several changes have also been made to the coaching setup. Experienced batting mentor Vikram Rathour has been elevated to the role of Lead Assistant Coach, reflecting his growing influence on the group. Former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond will continue as the Bowling Coach, having already built a strong rapport with the team’s fast-bowling unit. Meanwhile, long-serving Assistant Coach Trevor Penney and Performance Coach Sid Lahiri are also returning to continue their work from previous seasons.
Below is a table summarising the major coaching roles announced for IPL 2026:
Rajasthan Royals Coaching Structure (IPL 2026)
| Position | Coach |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Kumar Sangakkara |
| Director of Cricket | Kumar Sangakkara |
| Lead Assistant Coach | Vikram Rathour |
| Bowling Coach | Shane Bond |
| Assistant Coach | Trevor Penney |
| Performance Coach | Sid Lahiri |
The franchise has made it clear that this refreshed leadership group is designed to build a long-term foundation for success, combining tactical experience with continuity and an emphasis on young talent development. With such a strong and experienced coaching unit in place, Rajasthan Royals will be expected to mount a serious challenge for the 2026 season.