Kumar Sangakkara named RR head coach for IPL 2026:Franchise’s Director of Cricket gets dual role, steps in after Rahul Dravid’s short stint

Rajasthan Royals on Monday (November 17) confirmed that Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara will also take charge as the franchise’s head coach for IPL 2026. The announcement was made through an official post on X, ending weeks of speculation around the team’s leadership structure. Sangakkara, who has served as RR’s Director of Cricket since 2021, returns to the lead coaching role after previously doubling up as head coach during his early years with the franchise. Under his watch, RR reached the IPL 2022 final and made two playoff appearances in four seasons. Sangakkara steps in after Dravid’s tenure as head coach His reinstatement comes in the wake of Rahul Dravid’s exit after a short stint as head coach. Dravid, who joined RR following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, stepped down after the franchise offered him a broader role post a poor 2025 campaign. A key task for Sangakkara will be resolving the captaincy question, with long-time skipper Sanju Samson being traded to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Ravindra Jadeja coming into the picture. The Royals are also set to retain batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Shane Bond.