NEW DELHI: The excitement for IPL 2026 is already building, and the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals have added fuel to the fire with a major announcement. The franchise confirmed that Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara will take charge as Head Coach for the upcoming season.

Sangakkara, widely regarded as one of the finest batters in cricket history, played in the IPL between 2008 and 2013. His experience in high-pressure T20 leagues and his understanding of modern cricket tactics make him a perfect fit to guide the Royals in their pursuit of another title.

The Royals are coming off a challenging previous season and are looking to bounce back with a refreshed squad and renewed strategies. Sangakkara’s appointment as Head Coach is expected to bring stability, tactical clarity, and mentorship to the team’s young and experienced players alike.

Adding to the complexity, Rajasthan Royals recently made waves in the trade window by securing Ravindra Jadeja in exchange for Sanju Samson. This creates fresh challenges for Sangakkara, who will now need to balance the batting lineup effectively. The biggest headache could be managing the new skipper, who carries multiple responsibilities, but Sangakkara’s experience in handling pressure situations should prove invaluable in navigating these hurdles.