Kumar Sangakkara back as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach for IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals confirmed on Monday that Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara has been reappointed as the team’s head coach ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Sangakkara, who served in the role between 2021 and 2024, was promoted to the director of cricket role last year with Rahul Dravid as the coach in IPL 2025.

Royals also named other changes to the coaching staff, with Vikram Rathour elevated to lead assistant coach, and Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri returning as assistant coach and performance coach, respectively.

Shane Bond, who joined the Royals in 2024, will continue as the fast bowling coach.

The Royals also made an eye-catching personnel change in the playing staff by trading long-serving captain Sanju Samson for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from the Chennai Super Kings. (Sports Star)