Rajasthan Royals on Monday (November 17, 2025) announced Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, following Rahul Dravid’s departure from the post. Dravid left the franchise in August this year and Sangakkara, who has been the franchise’s director of cricket since 2021, will return as head coach, serving in the same role from 2021-2024. “Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara will also take over as the head coach for IPL 2026,” Rajasthan Royals posted on Twitter.

It was an abrupt end to former Indian captain Dravid’s tenure after he returned to the franchise for the 2025 season with a multi-year contract. The T20 World Cup-winning former national coach was out earlier this year following a “structural review” of the team’s poor performance.

The franchise suffered a dreadful performance, finishing ninth in the 10-team competition with only four wins from 14 games. Sangakkara’s return as head coach comes days after Rajasthan Royals completed the trade of their wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, who will join Chennai Super Kings.

In return, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have been included from the Royals camp. Meanwhile, RR released a total of seven players, including three foreigners, ahead of the mini auction to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16.

Players released by the Royals include Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Kunal Rathore, Mahesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga.