The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are poised for a major reunion with former India head coach Rahul Dravid ahead of IPL 2025, facilitated by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Sri Lankan icon Kumar Sangakkara.
Reports suggest that the ECB is strongly considering Sangakkara, currently the Rajasthan Royals’ coach and director of cricket, for the position of their white-ball coach. This follows Matthew Mott’s abrupt resignation from the role last month.
Rajasthan Royals and Rahul Dravid set for big reunion as ECB eyes Kumar Sangakkara for coaching role
Should Kumar Sangakkara accept the role of white-ball head coach for the England cricket team, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are prepared to rehire their former captain and coach, Rahul Dravid, for IPL 2025.
Cricbuzz reports that Dravid’s return to RR is nearly confirmed, as he is the leading candidate for the position, contingent upon Sangakkara’s move to England.
In the meantime, Sangakkara has addressed the rumors about his potential role with the ECB. He mentioned that while the ECB has not yet reached out to him, he has not completely ruled out the possibility of accepting the position.
ECB has not yet approached me: Sangakkara
Despite the rumors of him joining the England team, Sangakkara expressed contentment with his current role at the RR, where he has enjoyed a fulfilling and rewarding experience over the past four years. It is being said that Sangakkara shares a strong relationship with Rob Key, the managing director of the England men’s cricket team.
Additionally, the former Sri Lanka captain also developed a good relationship with England captain Jos Buttler at the RR, and it could play a crucial role in the ECB’s decision-making.
Sangakkara was quoted as saying by the English media: “Well, I know my name has been mentioned for some reason, but there has not been any approach as such. 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.”
“There will be an interview process”: ECB
Meanwhile, the ECB said that the selection process for a new baseball coach has not yet begun following Mott’s departure as the white-ball coach. An ECB official confirmed that there will be an interview process to select the new white-ball head coach, but there is not any shortlist yet.
An ECB official revealed: “There will be an interview process at some point, but there is no shortlist as of now.” Notably, Marcus Trescothick was appointed interim coach for England’s white-ball teams by the ECB last week for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia.
England and Australia will play three T20Is and five ODIs from September 11. The Ben Stokes-led England team is currently preparing to face Sri Lanka in a three-match Test series at home.
