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Key Points

Kumar Sangakkara is set to return as the full-time head coach of the Rajasthan Royals. This move follows Rahul Dravid's exit after a poor 2025 season where the team managed just four wins. Sangakkara will immediately face a major challenge with captain Sanju Samson requesting a release from the franchise. He will be supported by a familiar coaching staff including Vikram Rathour and Shane Bond.

Key Points: Kumar Sangakkara Returns as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach After Dravid Exit

  • Sangakkara promoted from Director of Cricket to head coach after Dravid's short stint
  • RR finished with only four wins in the disappointing 2025 IPL season
  • Captain Sanju Samson has requested a release ahead of the 2026 auction
  • Sangakkara previously coached RR to the 2022 final during his earlier tenure
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Kumar Sangakkara to return as Rajasthan Royals head coach after Rahul Dravid's exit

Kumar Sangakkara takes full charge as Rajasthan Royals head coach after Rahul Dravid's departure, facing captaincy issues with Sanju Samson's release request.

"offered a broader position but he had chosen not to take - Rajasthan Royals statement on Rahul Dravid"

New Delhi, September 25

Kumar Sangakkara is likely to return Rajasthan Royals head coach after Rahul Dravid, who parted ways with the franchise after a disappointing 2025 season.

Sangakkara, who has been RR's Director of Cricket since 2021, will take full charge of the coaching staff, overseeing strategy and player development, as per ESPNcricinfo.

Since he joined RR in 2021, Sangakkara doubled up as the head coach, and, under his watch, the Sanju Samson-led franchise made the playoffs twice in four seasons. In 2022, RR reached the final for the first time since winning the IPL in the inaugural season of 2008, but lost to the Gujarat Titans.

The Royals experienced a notable performance swing, finishing fifth in 2023 before advancing to the playoffs the following season, ultimately losing in Qualifier 2. This uptick in performance came under the guidance of Dravid, who took on the role of head coach after India's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. Dravid's association with RR dates back to 2012-2013, when he captained the team and later served as a mentor from 2014 to 2015.

Although Dravid had signed a multi-year contract, his stint was short-lived, as he parted ways with RR recently. In a media statement issued in August, RR said that based on a structural review of the franchise post the 2025 season, where they secured just four wins in 14 matches, Dravid was "offered a broader position" but he had "chosen not to take".

Sangakkara will be backed by familiar faces like Vikram Rathour as assistant coach and Shane Bond as bowling coach. Sangakkara's priorities will include resolving the captaincy issue, as Sanju Samson has requested to be released from the franchise.

Samson had informed the franchise that he wants to be released ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. Samson conveyed his decision to the RR management soon after the conclusion of IPL 2025, as per ESPNcricinfo.

The 30-year-old first represented RR from 2013 to 2015, and returned in 2018 after a couple of seasons with Delhi Daredevils. He took over as captain in 2021 and, in 2022, led the team to the IPL final, their first since the inaugural title win in 2008.

However, the team released two of its top players, Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal, ahead of the 2025 mega auction, despite their Orange and Purple Cap wins in 2022 . Samson was among six players retained by the Royals before the previous mega auction, with a price tag of Rs 18 crore.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Why did they release Buttler and Chahal? That was the biggest mistake! Now Samson wants to leave too. RR management needs to seriously rethink their strategy. Sanga has a tough job ahead 🏏
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Sarah B
As an IPL fan, I think continuity is important. Sanga knows the system and players well. But they need to sort out the captaincy issue quickly. Who will lead now? Maybe they should go for a young Indian captain.
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Arjun K
Dravid sir's departure was expected after such a poor season. But offering him a "broader position" sounds like management speak for demotion. Respectful criticism - RR should be more transparent with fans about these decisions.
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Kavya N
Samson leaving is heartbreaking 💔 He was the face of RR for so many years. Hope Sanga can convince him to stay. Otherwise, complete rebuild needed. Exciting times for RR fans though!
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Michael C
Interesting to see how Sanga handles the bowling department with Shane Bond. Their partnership worked well previously. But the batting needs serious reinforcement after losing key players.
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Vikram M
RR's yo-yo performances continue. One season playoffs, next season bottom. Need consistent team building. Sanga should focus on developing young Indian talent rather than depending on

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