Rajasthan Royals co-owner Manoj Badale has publicly addressed ongoing rumours about the Indian Premier League (IPL) team being up for sale, a topic that has persisted among fans and media for nearly two decades. In a recent statement, Badale acknowledged that speculation about the franchise’s ownership changes has circulated for a long time — he even noted that such talk has been “on for 17 years.”
However, he firmly dismissed any immediate plans to sell the team, stressing that there’s nothing new happening on that front. His comments aim to put to rest persistent chatter ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 season.
Focus on Coaching and Team Strategy
Alongside addressing the sale rumours, Badale also discussed significant changes within the Royals’ coaching setup. The franchise recently announced that former Sri Lankan batting great Kumar Sangakkara will take on a dual role as both head coach and director of cricket for the 2026 campaign. This move follows the departure of Rahul Dravid, who stepped down earlier after a disappointing IPL 2025 season.
Badale emphasized that the shift in coaching personnel was driven by a desire to streamline responsibilities and bring fresh strategic direction to the team. He noted that Sangakkara’s familiarity with the Royals’ culture and his previous coaching experience made him a natural choice for the position.
Team Rebuild and Auction Moves
The Royals have also made several roster adjustments ahead of the next season’s mini-auction, demonstrating their intent to rebuild and evolve. Prior to the auction, the franchise traded away long-time skipper Sanju Samson and all-rounder Sam Curran, signalling a shift in team dynamics and leadership. In the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Rajasthan Royals recruited a mix of emerging and established talent, including uncapped Indian players such as Sushant Mishra, Yash Raj Punja, and Vignesh Puthur. Additionally, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi attracted significant attention and was signed for a notable sum, reflecting the club’s interest in strengthening its bowling attack.
These changes — on and off the field — indicate that the franchise is actively retooling its strategy and composition to compete more effectively in the upcoming IPL season. Despite persistent speculation about its ownership status, the Royals appear focused on internal development rather than external sale talks.
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