All posts tagged: Sangakkara

RR head coach Sangakkara blasts Sam Curran for skipping IPL 2026 season

RR head coach Sangakkara blasts Sam Curran for skipping IPL 2026 season

Published by Webster

3 min readMay 30, 2026 09:51 AM IST After his team’s IPL 2026 exit with a defeat to the Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 2 match on Friday, Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara slammed English all-rounder Sam Curran for skipping the two-month-long tournament on the pretext of an injury. Curran, who was part of a trade deal with Chennai Super Kings ahead of the season, was roped in for Rs 2.4 crore alongside Ravindra Jadeja in exchange for Sanju Samson. However, with the Englishman conveying his unavailability thereafter, RR roped in Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as his replacement. Sangakkara, however, said it was disappointing to see Curran turn up for his county side Surrey later on. “We were told that Sam Curran had a season-ending injury, but I think I saw him playing for Surrey for two or three games now, so that was disappointing,” Sangakkara told reporters in Mullanpur after RR’s seven-wicket defeat. “We’d have loved to have had him here playing for us, but we got Dasun Shanaka as a replacement …

‘Jadeja’s been nursing injury’: Sangakkara on all-rounder’s limited batting role | Cricket News

‘Jadeja’s been nursing injury’: Sangakkara on all-rounder’s limited batting role | Cricket News

Published by Webster

A major talking point ahead of the IPL 2026 auction was the high-profile transfer of Sanju Samson from RR to CSK, in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. However, despite the inaugural champions making it to the Playoffs, Jadeja’s performances have not created the impact the franchise would have hoped for, especially with the bat, where he has been used lower down the order. Head coach Kumar Sangakkara revealed that the 37-year-old had been nursing an injury, and the team had to manage him. “He’s been nursing an injury. And we’ve had to manage him quite sensitively. So for him to go out and bat for long periods of time, it puts a lot of pressure on him, a lot of stress on him. So until he gets maybe another two days of rest, then we can use him even better,” Sangakkara said in the post-match presentation. The comments come a few days after India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that Jadeja was given a rest and hence not picked for the one-off Test …

Sangakkara backs Jaiswal to rediscover his best as Rajasthan Royals eye IPL 2026 playoff push

Sangakkara backs Jaiswal to rediscover his best as Rajasthan Royals eye IPL 2026 playoff push

Published by Webster

4 min readNew DelhiMay 16, 2026 09:48 PM IST In the last three weeks, their rivals have gathered steam or unravelled altogether. The Rajasthan Royals have been doing neither — two appearances on the field, two defeats, and a fortnight of enforced stillness in between. The extended breaks have been unkind. After the bowlers’ profligate returns undid a 225-run defence against Delhi Capitals, the batters imploded in a similarly hefty chase against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur. More of the same, and their playoff hopes begin to narrow. RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara knows it. Speaking on Saturday, he stressed the immediate need for balance — for the unit and its lead anchors. He threw his weight behind out-of-form captain Riyan Parag and his deputy Yashasvi Jaiswal, even as both have endured a lean run of late. The league standings have shifted considerably around them, but Rajasthan’s playoff hopes remain intact. Starting Sunday against Delhi at the Feroz Shah Kotla, their top-four chances are in their own hands — three matches lined up against sides that …

Kumar Sangakkara laments Sri Lanka doing ‘same things over and over’ after T20 World Cup exit, issues ominous warning | Cricket News

Kumar Sangakkara laments Sri Lanka doing ‘same things over and over’ after T20 World Cup exit, issues ominous warning | Cricket News

Published by Webster

3 min readFeb 26, 2026 06:21 PM IST Sri Lanka’s ouster from the race for the semifinal of the 2026 T20 World Cup was confirmed on Wednesday when they lost to New Zealand by 61 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. It was met with widespread anger from fans at the stadium and former captain and batting great Kumar Sangakkara said that Sri Lanka could slip into “irrelevance” in world cricket if they don’t course correct. “There is a lot of hurt all round,” said Sangakkara in his post. “The fans devastated , disappointed , angry. The players are hurting badly too. I have been in similar dressing rooms. It’s not easy. But this responsibility comes with the turf. It’s a burden and a great privilege to represent your country and your people. There is a lot of work to be done at all levels to course correct. We can’t do the same things over and over and expect different results when the cricket world around us has evolved so quickly. We haven’t …

Kumar Sangakkara Returns as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach For IPL 2026

Kumar Sangakkara Returns as Rajasthan Royals Head Coach For IPL 2026

Published by Webster

The Rajasthan Royals franchise has confirmed that former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara has been appointed as the head coach of the franchise ahead of the IPL 2026 season. He took over the role after Rahul Dravid left the Royals in August following a disappointing campaign in the 2025 season of the tournament. Meanwhile, Vikram Rathour who was the batting coach last season, has been promoted to assistant head coach. Rathour has previously worked under Dravid as India’s men’s batting coach from 2014 to 2024. Kumar Sangakkara has also coached Royals ahead of 2021 to 2024, a period when the team showed steady improvement. “We are delighted to have Kumar back. His familiarity with the squad, leadership, and understanding of the Royals’ culture will bring continuity and stability,” said Manoj Badale. He also added that Sangakkara’s calmness and cricketing brilliance will be vital in guiding the team forward. 🚨 Official: Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara will also take charge as Head Coach for IPL 2026 pic.twitter.com/4IRWoQM3mj — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 17, 2025 Former New …

IPL 2026: Kumar Sangakkara reappointed as Rajasthan Royals head coach | Cricket News

IPL 2026: Kumar Sangakkara reappointed as Rajasthan Royals head coach | Cricket News

Published by Webster

Rajasthan Royals have reappointed Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara as the team’s head coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, the inaugural champions confirmed on Monday. Sangakkara, who served in the role between 2021 and 2024, was promoted to director of cricket role last year. He will now take over the head coach position from Rahul Dravid who completed the IPL 2025 season in his second stint at the helm of the Jaipur-based franchise. During his first tenure as coach, Sangakkara ended the Royals’ 17-year wait to reach another final. They, however, finished runners-up behind Gujarat Titans. Story continues below this ad Rajasthan Royals lead Owner Manoj Badale appreciated Sangakkara’s influence on the franchise ahead of his return in a more involved position next season. “We are delighted to have Kumar return as Head Coach. His familiarity within the squad, his leadership and deep understanding of the Royals culture bring the right balance of continuity and stability,” Badale said. “Kumar has always had our complete trust as a leader. His clarity, calmness …

Malaika Arora Clicked With Former Sri Lankan Cricketer Kumar Sangakkara At IPL 2025

Malaika Arora Clicked With Former Sri Lankan Cricketer Kumar Sangakkara At IPL 2025

Published by Parlour News

While this was Arora’s first spotting with Sangakkara, the speculations have spread like wildfire. Netizens are also convinced about the dating speculations, as Malaika has never expressed herself as a fan of Rajasthan Royals before. She has also not been spotted in significant cricketing events before. This rumoured development also comes months after her breakup with Arjun Kapoor. They began dating in 2018 and called it quits in 2024. Neither of them confirmed the breakup but Arjun had stated before that he was single. During Singham Again’s promotions in October 2024, when fans chanted Malaika’s name while Arjun spoke on stage, the actor had replied, “Nahi, abhi single hoon. Relax karo. (No, I’m single now. Relax.)” See Also: Arjun Kapoor reacts as someone screams Malaika Arora’s name during an event For those unaware, despite being replaced by Rahul Dravid as the head coach this season, Sangakkara is the team’s director of cricket. It would be interesting to note if Malaika and Sangakkara are dating or are simply friends. Neither of them has spoken up about the …

Malaika Arora dating Kumar Sangakkara? THIS is why netizens feel they are…

Malaika Arora dating Kumar Sangakkara? THIS is why netizens feel they are…

Published by Parlour News

Malaika Arora sparked rumors of a potential new romance after attending the CSK vs RR IPL match in Guwahati with former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara. Read the full story. Disclaimer: We do not own any of the content, ideas, images, or text presented here. All rights belong to their respective owners. For more information and to view the original source, please visit the following link: Source link

Exclusive | IPL 2025: Are Malaika Arora-Kumar Sangakkara dating? Source close to actor spills the beans

Exclusive | IPL 2025: Are Malaika Arora-Kumar Sangakkara dating? Source close to actor spills the beans

Published by Webster

Mar 31, 2025 01:35 PM IST Speculation about Malaika Arora dating former Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara began after a photo of the two at the RR dugout went viral online. A photo of actor Malaika Arora enjoying the Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings match at Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, alongside Kumar Sangakkara, former Sri Lankan cricketer and ex-Rajasthan Royals head coach, currently serving as its director of cricket, has taken the internet by storm. Photo of Kumar Sangakkara and Malaika Arora at the Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Superkings match on Sunday Several screenshots from clips of the match showing Malaika in a Royals jersey have gone viral, sparking curiosity among netizens about her presence in the RR dugout. Internet users quickly began speculating, with some questioning if she had a connection with the team. Meanwhile, a viral video of Malaika and Kumar further added fuel with netizens even wondering if there was something cooking between the two. “Ye malaika arora RR ke dugout me kyu baithi hai?? Wo v Sanga ke …

IPL 2025: Malaika Arora supports RR with former cricketer Kumar Sangakkara

IPL 2025: Malaika Arora supports RR with former cricketer Kumar Sangakkara

Published by Webster

Bollywood celebrity Malaika Arora was spotted at the Guwahati stadium on Sunday evening as she witnessed the IPL game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) unfold. She was seen wearing a Rajasthan Royals jersey and was seated with the IPL team`s former head coach, Kumar Sangakkara. The video doing the rounds on social media shows the two sitting together in the RR dugout. This has fueled dating speculation between the actress and the former Sri Lankan cricketer. Malaika Arora spotted with Kumar Sangakkara Kumar Sangakkara was the head coach of Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals for multiple seasons. He was replaced by Rahul Dravid before the ongoing season commenced. However, Sangakkara continues to be the team`s director of cricket. The Sri Lankan cricket legend also played for Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), Deccan Chargers, and SunRisers Hyderabad during his IPL career. Malaika Arora with Kumar Sangakkara. pic.twitter.com/6ZGwGXqOFu — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 30, 2025 Malaika`s dating life gains limelight The visuals of the two attending the match together have generated much interest …