With the departure of Rahul Dravid, Kumar Sangakkara has returned as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals, and with it comes familiarity and expectations. Having led RR to the 2022 IPL final, he is the only coach who has done so since they won the title in 2008. As Sanju Samson tries to get released prior to the 2026 auction, the return of Sangakkara is dramatic and timely to the franchise.
Sangakkara Returns as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach After Dravid Exit
Rahul Dravid’s exit from Rajasthan Royals has already sent ripples through the cricket world. After just one season as head coach, Dravid decided to part ways, declining a “broader position” offered by the franchise following its structural review.
Now, the Royals are turning back to a familiar face. Kumar Sangakkara, who has been Director of Cricket since 2021, is set to reclaim the head coach’s role. He already knows the terrain well since he had taken on coaching duties earlier while balancing his director role. Under him, the team made the playoffs twice in four years and even reached the IPL 2022 final.
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To be clear, Rajasthan’s 2025 campaign was disappointing. The Royals were defeated in 10 out of 14 games and placed ninth in the league phase. Sanju Samson, their longtime captain, has also asked for a release ahead of the 2026 auction. That is another major decision Kumar Sangakkara must address quickly. Alongside him, Vikram Rathour will join as assistant coach while Shane Bond continues as bowling coach.
In short, Rajasthan is betting on stability and experience. Kumar Sangakkara’s return signals a reset, but also a hope that lessons from the tough year will not go wasted.
Amit Mishra’s Take
When I first heard of Dravid’s exit, I was surprised. It seemed he could bring fresh ideas to Rajasthan. But after looking at how badly 2025 went, change felt almost unavoidable.
Kumar Sangakkara’s return feels more than a backup choice. It shows the Royals want someone who understands their system and can rebuild with clarity.
Still, his comeback alone will not solve every problem. The question of the captain is also challenging, and in case Samson resigns, the club will need a new captain and also a new team.
The history of success of Kumar Sangakkara is a source of hope, yet the fans will want the results within a short time. This is not just a return to him; it is also an opportunity to build a new era and demonstrate to the world that Rajasthan can make a comeback.
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