Rajasthan Royals have always had a taste for drama from the fairy-tale title in 2008, the nail-biting playoffs, the mysterious capitulations, and now another twist: Kumar Sangakkara is apparently making his return as the Royals’ head coach for IPL 2026. After just one season, Rahul Dravid has moved on, and RR has turned back to the Sri Lankan wizard who already knows the setup very well. But the big question is—can Sanga turn around a side that has not laid its hands on any silverware for almost two decades?
A Familiar Face in the Dugout
Sangakkara is no stranger to the pink jersey. He has been very much a part of the DNA of the Rajasthan Royals, as their Director of Cricket since 2021, and in the role of their head coach from 2021 to 2024. While the Royals were not world-beaters under his watch, they were also no pushovers. Twice, they fought their way into the playoffs and reached the IPL 2022 final in a playoff run that was at times brilliant and certainly intriguing.
But Rajasthan Royals with Sangakkara, are just like a Netflix series that never really peaks—entertaining, at times even brilliant. But you keep hoping for something else. So now that he is back, here is the question that can be posed: Is this the “new season” that will deliver us that payoff ending?
Dravid’s Short Stint and the Big What-If
When the Rajasthan franchise signed Rahul Dravid for the IPL 2025 season, it felt like a fate signing. Dravid had just led India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024! There was excitement among fans that the Royals had hit it big. Like many “marquee signings”, the excitement quickly fizzled out.
Dravid signed on for a multi-year deal, but only lasted a season and chose to let go of a bigger opportunity with the franchise. It feels like the teaser trailer that was never a film. To be fair, the Royals’ press in 2025 was a challenge – 4 wins, 14 games, 9 places. There were injuries to Samson, and a lack of performance put some of this together; by mid-season, people were planning for 2026!
Can Sangakkara Break the Royals’ Curse?
Here’s the noticeable problem: Rajasthan Royals haven’t won the trophy since 2008. That is seventeen years ago! During that time, teams like the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings formed dynasties, while the Rajasthan Royals have largely remained an afterthought.
Sangakkara’s task isn’t just about tactics—it’s about belief. The 2025 season showed that RR lacked consistency and leadership depth. With Samson’s injury, the team scrambled, even handing the captaincy to Riyan Parag at one point. Sangakkara now has the chance to rebuild morale, sharpen roles, and give RR an identity beyond being “the team with potential.”
And let’s not forget—Sanga himself is a master of calm under pressure. If anyone can steady the Royals’ ship and instill resilience, it’s him.
FAQs
- Who is set to become the Rajasthan Royals’ head coach for IPL 2026?
Kumar Sangakkara is reportedly returning as Rajasthan Royals’ head coach for the 2026 IPL season.
- Why did Rahul Dravid leave the Rajasthan Royals after just one season?
Dravid chose to step down despite a multi-year contract, declining a broader role offered by the franchise.
- How did RR perform in IPL 2025?
Rajasthan Royals finished ninth in IPL 2025, winning only four out of 14 matches and missing the playoffs.
