Shane Bond continues as fast bowling coach, ensuring continuity for the pace attack. Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri also return as assistant coach and performance coach respectively, further strengthening the support staff..
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]IPL 2026: Sangakkara Back at Rajasthan Royals, Dravid Steps Down After 2025 Season
by Shekhar
Rajasthan Royals are turning back to a familiar face to get their team back on track, announcing that Kumar Sangakkara will return as head coach for IPL 2026, while also keeping his role as Director of Cricket.
The team made the announcement on Monday, ending Rahul Dravid’s one-season stint after a disappointing ninth-place finish in IPL 2025. Sangakkara has previously led the Royals as head coach from 2021 to 2024, a period when the team became more competitive.
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Kumar Sangakkara Batsman
Kumar Sangakkara Returns as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach for IPL 2026
Under him, RR reached the IPL 2022 final and made it to the playoffs again in 2024, bringing stability that the team couldn’t manage in 2025. Dravid, who took charge for the 2025 season, stepped down ahead of the new season.
"We are delighted to have Kumar return as Head Coach. As we looked at what the team needed at this stage, we felt that his familiarity within the squad, his leadership and 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," said Manoj Badale, lead owner of Rajasthan Royals.
Rajasthan Royals Strengthen Coaching Team Ahead of New Season
"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. 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 said.
