Kumar Sangakkara cited Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s instance on how he needs his gamers to means the sport within the upcoming version of the Indian Premier League (IPL) because the Sri Lankan returned as the top trainer of the franchise following the departure of Rahul Dravid.
Already a Director of the Cricket within the franchise, Sangakkara will serve in a twin function in Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. The 48-year-old had served as a Rajasthan Royals head trainer from 2021 to 2024. Dravid took over as the top trainer of the franchise for the 2025 season, after main India to the T20 International Cup 2024 triumph in Barbados.
With Dravid deciding to phase tactics from the franchise previous this 12 months, Sangakkara used to be entrusted with the function. All the way through his earlier time as head trainer, Sangakkara guided the group to 2022 ultimate and in addition certified for the playoffs in 2024. Talking for the primary time on Monday after taking up, Sangakkara defined how he needs his gamers to means in IPL 2026.
“Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a brilliant instance at his age. That is how I would like everybody to look the sport, like in the course of the eyes of you already know, while you have been younger, while you first began, why you get started. You’re keen on taking part in his recreation, you wish to have that love to stick and keenness to stick intact as we undergo a season,” mentioned the previous Sri Lankan captain.
Having gained the IPL in its inaugural season in 2008 below overdue Shane Warne, Rajasthan Royals have by no means been ready to win the silverware within the remaining 17 seasons. They reached the playoffs 5 occasions in 2013, 2015, 2018, 2022 and 2024 after 2008. Sangakkara’s Suryavanshi commentary got here after the 14-year-old has been standout performer since remaining season.
With 100 and a fifty to his identify in IPL 2025, Suryavanshi went on to provoke for India U-19 with masses in Australia and England. He lately scored his maiden century for India A within the ongoing Emerging Stars Asia Cup 2025 in Doha.
‘No longer one thing you might be joyous about’ – Sanga on Samson go out
Excluding the backroom personnel, Rajasthan Royals underwent large adjustments so far as their squad for 2026 version is worried. They needed to let move skipper Sanju Samson and welcomed Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran as part of the industry deal forward of IPL 2026 retentions.
With out naming Samson’s go out, Sangakkara discussed it isn’t one thing the franchise is joyous about. “It is thrilling, its difficult, but additionally while you take a look at the cases below which it took place, it isn’t one thing which you might be all the time joyous about,” mentioned Sangakkara.
“I really like operating with this staff. I have labored with them ahead of and coming again, it is going to be much more tricky at this degree,” he added.
