Rajasthan Royals name Kumar Sangakkara as new head coach ahead of IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals have named Kumar Sangakkara as their new head coach ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the franchise confirmed on Monday, November 17. Sangakkara, who served as the Director of Cricket Operations at the franchise up until now, will see return to the coaching duties as the franchise bid adieu to Rahul Dravid a little while ago.

However, it is to be noted that the side will not be having a new Director of Cricket, as Sangakkara will continue in a dual role with the 2008 champions. Upon his arrival in an additional role, the veteran cricketer said that he wants the side to cross the line after long years of waiting, since RR have been waiting for their second title ever since their triumph in the inaugural edition.

"Well the goal, it always remains a constant. We want to win the IPL. How we do it will change. The other things that remain constant are your team culture, your values, and standards. That's an absolute necessity. Seasons don't always go the way everyone wants it to go or plans it to go. That's the beauty of the IPL and that's what makes it exciting. Because you are competing against nine other sides who want to win the trophy. I know that it's been long years of waiting for 2008," Sangakkara said upon the announcement.

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