Rajasthan Royals have witnessed two more exits from their coaching group, deepening the overhaul that began with the departures of head coach Rahul Dravid and CEO Jake Lush McCrum.
The franchise has ended
contracts with spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and fielding coach Dishant Yagnik. Bahutule, who joined only last year after his tenure at the National Cricket Academy, had been tasked with developing the Royals' spin department.
Yagnik, meanwhile, had been part of the Jaipur-based franchise for over a decade - first as a player and later as fielding coach - and recently hinted at his exit through a cryptic social media post. Reports also suggest that strength and conditioning coach Varun Ghosh has been relieved of his duties.
Vikram Rathour, who was roped in as batting coach, remains the only key backroom staff in the Royals setup ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
Kumar Sangakkara takes over RR Helm
These changes come as part of a larger restructuring following the team's poor IPL season, where they finished ninth. Kumar Sangakkara is set to take over as head coach, succeeding Dravid, and is believed to be shaping his own backroom staff in consultation with franchise owner Manoj Badale.
Former assistant coach Trevor Penney is tipped for a return, while ex-India batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Shane Bond are expected to continue.
Where will Sanju Samson go?
Uncertainty persists over captain Sanju Samson's future, with the player reportedly requesting a release or trade. The Royals have yet to respond formally, and it remains unclear whether Samson will stay, be traded, or be placed back in the auction pool.
Samson has been tipped with a move to Chennai Super Kings, while the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders also remain interested in the India player. After an underwhelming outing in IPL 2025, the Royals are currently undergoing a plethora of changes, and are expected to release a number of players ahead of the mini auction as well.
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