3 coaches who can replace Kumar Sangakkara if he parts ways with the Rajasthan Royals ft. Rahul Dravid
Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara will likely part ways with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He joined the Royals in 2021 and has been part of the coaching setup since then.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, Sangakkara is tipped to take over as England's white-ball coach by replacing Matthew Mott who stepped down after the team's debacle at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Sangakkara was recently quizzed about the opportunity of becoming England's white-ball coach. Despite revealing that there has been no approach from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the former wicketkeeper-batter expressed that it is an enticing project for any individual.
“Well, I know my name has been mentioned for some reason, but there has not been any approach as such," Sangakkara told English media via News18. "I think the England white-ball job is an exciting prospect for anyone, but there are so many good candidates out there.
"I am very happy at the moment. The Rajasthan Royals experience has been very fulfilling, and it has been a job I have really enjoyed over the last four years," he added.
If Kumar Sangakkara indeed joins the English team, the Rajasthan Royals will need someone to fill the vacant position. On that note, let's take a look at three coaches who can replace Sangakkara in RR.
#1 Rahul Dravid
The former Indian skipper is one of the front-runners to take up the job at Rajasthan, where he played between 2011 and 2013. He also served as their mentor in 2014.
Rahul Dravid was at the helm of the Indian cricket team between 2021 and 2024. He left the position after successfully guiding the Men in Blue to the 2024 T20 World Cup title in the West Indies and the USA.
Dravid has been tipped to take over a coaching role in the IPL. If reports are to be believed the RR management is trying to establish contact with the Karnataka-born cricketer and rope him ahead of the next season.
#2 Ricky Ponting
Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting recently stepped down from his role as Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach. He ended his seven-year association with the franchise, starting in 2018.
Since then, he has been tipped to take over several coaching roles across the globe. However, he recently expressed his desire to continue coaching in India, igniting the debate about him joining the Royals side should Kumar Sangakkara vacate the position.
"I'd love to coach again in the IPL," Ponting stated in the ICC Review Podcast via India Today. "I've had a great time every year that I've been involved, whether as a player in the early days or as head coach at Mumbai before joining Delhi."
Ricky Ponting has been a huge admirer of RR skipper Sanju Samson, and his union with the Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter will be enticing to watch.
#3 Matthew Mott
Australian-born Matthew Mott is one of the heavyweight white-ball coaches around the globe. His success with the Australian women's cricket team is widely documented. He has also served as the head coach of England's white-ball setup, which he vacated after the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Mott could be an ideal candidate to take over as Rajasthan's head coach given the franchise's inclination towards overseas coaches. They have never had an Indian as the head coach since the inception of the IPL in 2008.
Moreover, Mott will bring a winning mindset, which is of utmost importance, as they aim to win their second IPL title. The last time the Royals lifted the cup was in the inaugural edition in 2008.