Rajasthan Royals are undergoing a major backroom overhaul as the franchise looks to reset its coaching setup ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. After an underwhelming campaign that saw the team finish near the bottom of the table, the Royals have begun a wide-ranging restructuring across both coaching and management roles.
Major changes in the coaching setup
The revamp follows a string of high-profile departures, starting with the exits of head coach Rahul Dravid and CEO Jake Lush McCrum. Now, both Cricbuzz and Sportstar have reported that the franchise has parted ways with spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and fielding coach Dishant Yagnik.
Yagnik, who played for Rajasthan Royals between 2011 and 2014 before transitioning to the coaching setup in 2018, had been one of the team’s longest-serving members. Bahutule, meanwhile, joined the side in 2023 after his stint at the National Cricket Academy. The exits of both coaches mark a continuation of the franchise’s comprehensive overhaul following a disappointing 2025 season.
Sangakkara expected to take charge
Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara is expected to return to a central leadership role as Rajasthan Royals’ head coach, succeeding Dravid. Although the franchise has yet to make a formal announcement, Sangakkara is understood to be heavily involved in the ongoing restructuring process in consultation with lead owner Manoj Badale.
With Sangakkara at the helm, the franchise is likely to bring in a new support team tailored to his coaching philosophy. Trevor Penney, who previously worked with the Royals, is tipped to rejoin the setup. Meanwhile, former India batting coach Vikram Rathour continues with the team and is believed to be working closely with Sangakkara.
Bond and Rathour to stay as continuity anchors
Amid the shake-up, Sportstar has reported that Shane Bond will continue as Rajasthan Royals’ bowling coach. The former New Zealand pacer, who joined the franchise ahead of the 2025 season, remains a key figure in the Royals’ backroom. Cricbuzz has reported that Vikram Rathour is expected to stay on as batting coach, providing much-needed continuity during the transition.
These decisions suggest that while the Royals are embracing change, they are also keen to retain experienced voices familiar with the team’s core group of players.
Samson’s future remains uncertain
Another major storyline for Rajasthan Royals is the future of captain Sanju Samson. According to multiple reports, Samson has sought a release or trade from the franchise, though no agreement has yet been reached. The Royals will need to resolve his status ahead of the 2026 IPL auction, as it could have a major bearing on the team’s composition and leadership direction.
A reset for the Royals
The sweeping changes underline the Royals’ determination to recalibrate after a difficult year. Despite boasting promising young talent such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel, the franchise struggled for consistency throughout the 2025 season.
As the new season approaches, Rajasthan Royals appear intent on rebuilding a more focused and cohesive coaching unit — one that can translate their potential into results. With Sangakkara expected to take full charge, and Bond and Rathour providing stability, the franchise will hope that this latest overhaul delivers the spark needed to return to title contention.
