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With Rahul Dravid confirmed to have parted ways with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), the franchise now faces the crucial task of finding a new head coach. Dravid’s sudden departure comes just one season into his highly anticipated return and leaves a significant leadership void to urgently fill for the franchise.
New coach faces challenge of restoring stability at Rajasthan Royals
The news comes on the heels of a disappointing season for the Royals, who finished ninth and struggled with inconsistency. The team’s campaign was reportedly marred by internal rifts, with rumors circulating that captain Sanju Samson had grown frustrated with the management. A new coach will not only be tasked with reviving the team’s on-field performance but also with restoring stability and cohesion to a squad that appears to have lost its way. The new leader’s ability to mend these fractures will be crucial to the team’s future success.
Here are 3 contenders who could take the Rajasthan Royals head coach role ahead of IPL 2026:
1. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara is a natural choice given his history with the franchise from 2021 to 2024, during which the team performed consistently, even making it to the IPL final in 2022. His deep understanding of the team’s culture and his close rapport with the players would be a major advantage. Sangakkara’s strategic vision could be exactly what the Royals need to get back on track.
2. Zaheer Khan
The legendary Indian pacer Zaheer Khan is a strong candidate for the role. After recently concluding his tenure as a mentor with the Lucknow Super Giants, Zaheer is an experienced and highly respected figure in the league. His deep tactical knowledge and ability to mentor fast bowlers would be a huge asset for a team that has a history of nurturing young pace talent.
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3. Gary Kirsten
Gary Kirsten brings a wealth of experience, having coached India to a World Cup victory in 2011. Known for his calm and composed approach to man-management, he has a proven track record of getting the best out of his players. While his previous IPL stints were not as successful, his ability to build a winning culture and his coaching pedigree make him a compelling option for the Royals.
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