Kumar Sangakkara replaces Rahul Dravid as a RR head coach before IPL 2026

Kumar Sangakkara is set to return as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026. The former Sri Lankan captain, who was RR’s team director since 2021, will take the former India head coach’s position after the latter was relived of his duties earlier this year. After ending his stint as the Team India head coach, the former Indian cricketer returned to RR before IPL 2025. However, after spending just one season with the franchise, he has opted to quit the role.

Sangakkara replaces Dravid as RR head coach

As per ESPNCricinfo, Sangakkara’s biggest task at hand will be to decide who will be next captain for RR after Sanju Samson has sought his release from the team. The report claims that the team is set to continue with Vikram Rathour as the batting coach while Shane Bond retains his position as the bowling coach.

In August,  RR claimed that Dravid had been offered a broader position at the franchise after a structural review but had turned it down. The franchise extended gratitude to the former Indian cricketer for his services to the team on behalf of the team members and fans. 

Dravid was last associated with RR in 2014 and 2015, playing the role of a mentor. He took over as the side’s captain in IPL 2012, taking over the responsibility from, Shane Warne. While his first season as captain ended with a 7th place finish for RR, he managed to lead the side into the playoffs in 2014. In 2025, RR finished 9th on the points table, managing to win just 4 out of 14 games.