Kumar Sangakkara returns to Rajasthan Royals as head coach

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Sri Lankan cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara has returned to the Rajasthan Royals as head coach ahead of IPL 2026. Sangakkara will also continue his role as Director of Cricket. Meanwhile, the franchise has promoted Vikram Rathour to the position of chief assistant coach, while Shane Bond will remain as bowling coach. Trevor Penney will return as assistant coach and Sid Lahiri as performance coach.

Speaking about Sangakkara's appointment, franchise principal owner Manoj Badale said, "When we considered what the team needed at this time, we felt that his comfort level with the team, his leadership and his deep understanding of the Royals' culture would bring the right balance of continuity and stability."

"We have always had complete confidence in Kumar (Sangakkara) as a leader. His clarity, patience and cricketing understanding will be instrumental in taking the team to the next level," he said.

Kumar Sangakkara previously served as the team's head coach from 2021 to 2024. Under his guidance, Rajasthan Royals reached the IPL 2022 final and the IPL 2024 playoffs.

After this, Rahul Dravid took over this post in IPL 2025, but after just one season, Dravid resigned from the post of head coach of Rajasthan Royals. Under Rahul Dravid, Rajasthan Royals had a disappointing IPL 2025. They won just four out of 14 matches and finished ninth in the points table.

The Rajasthan Royals have won the IPL title only once in history. They won the inaugural season in 2008, then reached the final in 2022, losing to the Gujarat Titans