Former Sri Lankan batter-wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara was appointed as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season on Monday, November 17. Sangakkara will replace former Indian legend batter Rahul Dravid. 

48-year-old Sangakkara served as the head coach of the RR team from 2021 to 2024, and he was replaced by Dravid for the 2025 edition. After the conclusion of the last edition of the tournament, the franchise confirmed Dravid would no longer be at the helm. RR finished at the night position on the points table under Dravid in the IPL 2025 season, scoring just 18 points from 14 matches. 

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It was also speculated that there was a rift between Dravid and Sanju Samson, which was later denied by the former. Under Sangakkara's coaching, the franchise reached the 2022 final and qualified for the playoffs in the 2024 edition.

“I’m honoured to return as Head Coach and continue working with this talented group. 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," Sangakkara said in an official statement.

“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,” he added.