Overview
- Co-owner Manoj Badale confirmed that Kumar Sangakkara will lead Rajasthan Royals in a dual capacity as head coach and director of cricket for IPL 2026.
- Badale described the restructuring as a “simplification” and emphasized there was no judgment on Rahul Dravid’s short tenure.
- He rejected renewed talk of a franchise sale, noting such speculation has persisted for 17 years without substance.
- RR overhauled their squad before the auction, with a trade that sent Sanju Samson and Sam Curran out and brought Ravindra Jadeja in.
- At the Abu Dhabi mini-auction, the Royals bought leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi for ₹7.20 crore and signed uncapped Indians Sushant Mishra, Yash Raj Punja and Vignesh Puthur.