Kumar Sangakkara set to take full control at Rajasthan Royals after Rahul Dravid’s exit

By Correspondent On Sep 25, 2025

In a significant development ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Kumar Sangakkara is set to return as the head of Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) coaching staff, following the departure of Rahul Dravid. The move signals a return to familiar leadership for RR, as Sangakkara – who has been with the franchise since 2021 – will now resume full charge, overseeing both strategy and player development in a critical rebuild phase.

🚨 KUMAR SANGAKKARA IS BACK 🚨

– Sangakkara will back in the lead role in the Coaching staff of Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026. [Espn Cricinfo] pic.twitter.com/HbyHsyHcHg

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 25, 2025

Sangakkara Back in Charge

While officially holding the title of Director of Cricket, Sangakkara had also acted as head coach for most of his tenure with the franchise. Under his guidance, RR enjoyed notable success, including a runner-up finish in 2022 – their first IPL final appearance since their historic 2008 title win.

Sangakkara led RR to the playoffs in two of four seasons, helping elevate the side under Sanju Samson’s captaincy. However, after a disappointing 2025 campaign where RR managed just four wins in 14 matches and finished ninth on the points table, a major overhaul seemed inevitable.

According to sources, Sangakkara has already begun unofficial planning for the 2026 season, aiming to restore consistency and build a stronger core around emerging talent and experienced campaigners.

Rahul Dravid’s Short Yet High-Profile Satint Ends Quietly

Dravid, who joined RR after leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, was brought in on a multi-year deal to lend stability and vision. However, his time at the franchise was unexpectedly brief. Following a post-season review in 2025, RR offered him a broader strategic role, which he chose not to accept. The franchise confirmed his exit in a media release in August.

It was a homecoming of sorts for Dravid, who had previously captained RR in 2012–13 and served as mentor in 2014–15. His return generated excitement, but the team’s poor run in 2025 made change inevitable.

Captaincy Conundrum: Sanju Samson Requests Release

Perhaps the biggest challenge Sangakkara now faces is the captaincy issue, as long-time skipper Sanju Samson has reportedly asked to be released from the franchise.

At 30, Samson remains one of the most experienced players in RR’s squad and was retained ahead of the 2025 mega auction for Rs 18 crore (approx. USD 2.14 million). However, injuries and form impacted his 2025 season – he played only nine matches due to a side strain, and RR struggled to close out games even when in winning positions.

It’s understood that Samson has informed RR of his desire for a fresh start elsewhere, prompting the franchise to explore trade opportunities. So far, no deals have materialized, and RR has not made an official comment regarding his potential release. The IPL retention deadline, usually set for the end of November, is still pending confirmation, giving both parties a narrow window to finalize their decisions.

Coaching Staff Continuity: Rathour and Bond Likely to Stay

While the head coach seat is changing hands again, continuity in the coaching setup is expected to provide some balance. Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour, who joined RR in 2025, is set to continue as assistant coach, while Shane Bond – formerly with Mumbai Indians is also likely to retain his role as bowling coach.

Additionally, familiar names like Trevor Penney and Siddhartha Lahiri, who have previously worked under Sangakkara, are expected to return to the support staff, providing depth and experience to the dugout.