Rahul Dravid’s return to the Rajasthan Royals as head coach has triggered a major reshuffle within the franchise’s management. One of the key changes is the potential exit of Kumar Sangakkara, the current Director of Cricket Operations. Sangakkara, who played an instrumental role in Rajasthan’s consistent performance over the last few years, is reportedly in advanced talks with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the mentor’s role. This comes in the wake of Gautam Gambhir stepping down as KKR’s mentor to take on the role of Team India’s head coach.
The reports suggest that Sangakkara’s departure from Rajasthan Royals could pave the way for Vikram Rathour, the former Team India batting coach, to join Dravid’s support staff. Sangakkara’s impact on Rajasthan’s fortunes cannot be understated. Since joining the franchise in 2021, he has guided the team to a runner-up finish in the IPL 2022 season and a top-three finish in 2024. His tactical acumen and strong rapport with captain Sanju Samson have been key to the Royals’ recent successes.
On the KKR front, Gambhir’s departure has left a significant void in their coaching lineup, as has the exit of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate, both of whom have joined Gambhir’s Indian team support staff. At present, KKR only has Chandrakant Pandit as head coach and Bharat Arun as bowling coach, making Sangakkara’s inclusion as mentor a critical addition.
If Sangakkara moves to KKR, it would complete a full circle of coaching changes, linking Dravid, Gambhir, and Sangakkara across IPL and international cricket. Sangakkara’s potential shift to KKR not only brings his extensive experience but also adds strategic depth as KKR prepares for a major overhaul in its support staff.
A final decision regarding his future is expected soon, with Sangakkara reportedly receiving offers from other IPL franchises as well. This impending shake-up marks a significant moment for both Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, reshaping their leadership structures for future IPL seasons.
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