Rajasthan Royals appoint former Kings XI Punjab star as coach for IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have appointed Kumar Sangakkara, former Punjab Kings (then generally known as Kings XI Punjab) captain and the franchise’s Director of Cricket, as head coach for IPL 2026. The announcement was made by the franchise on Monday, November 17.

The legendary former Sri Lanka captain beforehand served because the Royals’ head coach from 2021 to 2024. Throughout his tenure, the crew reached the ultimate of the 2022 season, the place they misplaced to the Gujarat Titans (GT). The 48-year-old takes over from Rahul Dravid, who led the crew as head coach for the 2025 version however stepped down in August 2025.

On Monday, the Royals shared a submit on X, stating:

“Official: Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara may also take cost as Head Coach for IPL 2026.”

In the meantime, the Royals additionally confirmed that Vikram Rathour has been promoted to steer assistant coach, whereas Shane Bond will proceed because the quick bowling coach. The franchise shall be hoping to enhance their fortunes after a disappointing IPL 2025, by which they completed ninth, incomes simply eight factors from 14 matches.

Rajasthan Royals to have a brand new captain for IPL 2026

As Kumar Sangakkara returns as head coach of the Rajasthan Royals, the franchise may also have to appoint a brand new captain for IPL 2026. Former skipper Sanju Samson was traded to Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) forward of the retention deadline on November 15, with the Royals buying veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in return.

With Samson not a part of the squad, Sangakkara faces the duty of choosing a brand new chief to information the crew within the upcoming season.

Right here’s a have a look at the gamers retained by Rajasthan Royals forward of the IPL 2026 public sale: Yashasvi Jaiswal (₹18 crore), Shimron Hetmyer (₹11 crore), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (₹1.10 crore), Lhuan dre Pretorius (₹30 lakh), Shubham Dubey (₹80 lakh), Dhruv Jurel (₹14 crore), Riyan Parag (₹14 crore), Jofra Archer (₹12.50 crore), Sandeep Sharma (₹4 crore), Nandre Burger (₹3.5 crore), Tushar Deshpande (₹6.50 crore), Kwena Maphaka (₹1.50 crore), Yudhvir Singh Charak (₹35 lakh), Ravindra Jadeja (₹18 crore), Sam Curran (₹2.40 crore – each traded in from Chennai Tremendous Kings), and Donovan Ferreira (₹1 crore – traded in from Delhi Capitals).