After Rahul Dravid, Rajasthan Royals Sack 2 More Coaches As RR Continue Overhaul: Report | Cricket News

Rajasthan Royals are reportedly undergoing a significant overhaul of their backroom staff following a poor Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign. After finishing ninth on the points table, RR have decided to reset ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction.

After the sudden exits of head coach Rahul Dravid and CEO Jake Lush McCrum, RR have also parted ways with two more key members of its support staff as skipper Sanju Samson’s future at the franchise remains uncertain.

As per a report in Cricbuzz, bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who was with the franchise for just one season, is on his way out. Fielding coach Dishant Yagnik, a former Royals player, is also leaving.

Even though it has not been confirmed by the IPL franchise, Kumar Sangakkara is set to take over as head coach of Rajasthan Royals, replacing Rahul Dravid. The former Sri Lanka captain is reportedly involved in key decision-making alongside lead owner Manoj Badale.

Bowling coach Shane Bond and batting coach Vikram Rathour are expected to continue in their roles. Cricbuzz also reports that Trevor Penney, a long-time associate of Sangakkara, could rejoin the setup. Siddhartha Lahiri, who was part of Sangakkara’s support staff at RR previously, could also return.

The Royals had consistently been playoff contenders in recent years and even reached the final in 2022 under Sangakkara’s leadership. However, the collapse in 2025 has raised questions about the team’s direction.

However, another big question facing the Royals is the future of captain Sanju Samson. The wicketkeeper-batter has formally requested a release or trade, as per reports, but no agreement has been reached so far. Whether he will be retained by the franchise or placed in the upcoming auction remains uncertain.

RR Under Sangakara?

Since joining RR in 2021, Sangakkara has served as the head coach, leading the Sanju Samson-led franchise to the playoffs twice in four seasons. In 2022, RR reached the final for the first time since winning the IPL in the inaugural season in 2008, but lost to the Gujarat Titans in the title clash. After finishing fifth in 2023, RR reached the playoffs the following season, where they lost in Qualifier 2.