IPL 2026 head coaches: Full list of head coaches for all 10 IPL teams in the 19th Indian Premier League season

The build-up to IPL 2026 has already begun, and several teams have confirmed their coaching structures well ahead of the new season. While most head coaches have been retained, there have also been a few high-profile changes heading into the planning stage of next season.

Rajasthan Royals headline the latest updates after bringing back Kumar Sangakkara as head coach following Rahul Dravid's exit. Kolkata Knight Riders have also made a fresh appointment, signalling the start of a new cycle for the 19th season of the league.

Kumar Sangakkara returns as Rajasthan Royals head coach for IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals announced that Kumar Sangakkara will take charge as head coach again, confirming the move on X. He previously coached the franchise from 2021 to 2024 and resumes the role after Rahul Dravid stepped down in August following a structural review of RR's poor 2025 campaign.

🚨 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

RR finished ninth last season with only four wins, leading to major changes in their setup. Sangakkara, who has served as Director of Cricket, will now handle dual responsibilities.

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On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed Abhishek Nayar's promotion to head coach on October 30. According to KKR, the move followed Chandrakant Pandit's departure after three seasons.

Nayar has been part of the franchise since 2018 and played a key role in their planning group. He was also briefly involved with India's national coaching staff.

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Full list of IPL 2026 head coaches

Let's take a look at the full list below.