Sangakkara named Rajasthan Royals’ head coach and Director of cricket in his second stint with the franchise.
In IPL 2026, Kumar Sangakkara will serve as both head coach and director of cricket for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), while Vikram Rathour, who was batting coach the previous season, will be promoted to assistant coach.
Since Sangakkara fulfilled both responsibilities even in IPL 2025 following the split between RR and head coach Rahul Dravid, the designation change is merely a formality.
Prior to that, Sangakkara was the team’s head coach from 2021 to 2024, “a period that marked a clear rise in the team’s performance and consistency,” according to an RR statement. RR made it to the 2022 IPL final and the 2024 IPL playoffs under Sangakkara’s leadership.
“We are delighted to have Kumar return as head coach,” Manoj Badale, the franchise’s lead owner, said. “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.
“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.”
“I’m honoured to return as head coach and continue working with this talented group,” Sangakkara said. “I’m also pleased to have a strong coaching team alongside me. Vikram, Trevor, Shane and Sid each bring valuable experience in their areas, and together we are focused on preparing the players in the best possible way.
“We have a clear understanding of where we want to go as a group, and our aim is to build a team that plays with clarity, resilience, and purpose.”