Did RR hint at Kumar Sangakkara as IPL 2026 head coach? Rajasthan Royals teases fans with cryptic Travis Head post

Divy Dubey

Did RR hint at Kumar Sangakkara as IPL 2026 head coach? Rajasthan Royals teases fans with cryptic Travis Head post image

Rajasthan Royals set off a wave of speculation on social media after posting a curious three-part image on X. The graphic featured a pair of yellow sunglasses on top, the number 11.11 in the middle and Travis Head's smiling face at the bottom.

The post didn't include any explanation, but it quickly sparked a series of theories among fans. With the franchise preparing for major changes ahead of IPL 2026, supporters are now trying to decipher what the teaser could be pointing toward, without the team directly stating anything.

MORE: Latest RR news ahead of IPL 2026

RR cryptic post triggers Kumar Sangakkara discussion among fans

The X post immediately led fans to draw parallels to Sangakkara. Many users linked the yellow sunglasses to Sri Lankan's iconic eyewear, noted that "11" matches his jersey number, and connected "Head" to the idea of "head coach."

The timing of the post, shared at 11:11 pm, added another layer to the speculation.

Several fans posted their breakdown of the teaser, suggesting that the three images together might point to Sangakkara stepping into the head coach role.

More: When will the IPL release the full list of players entering the 2026 mini auction?

Sangakkara's coaching status: What reports have confirmed

According to reports, Sangakkara is already set to return in a lead role within Rajasthan Royals' coaching structure following Rahul Dravid's exit.

Sangakkara has served as RR's Director of Cricket since 2021 and has reportedly begun informal planning for the 2026 season.

Dravid, despite a multi-year deal, parted ways with the franchise after the 2025 season and opted not to take a broader internal role that RR offered.

More: CSK retention list for IPL 2026 auction: Full list of retained and released players by Chennai Super Kings ahead of mini auction

Captaincy concerns and RR's next steps for 2026

RR's biggest task remains resolving the captaincy issue after Sanju Samson asked to be released and then traded to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) following a disappointing 2025 campaign.

Meanwhile, assistants Vikram Rathour and Shane Bond are expected to continue, with Trevor Penney and Siddhartha Lahiri also likely to rejoin the setup.

While RR has not confirmed anything regarding the head coach role, the franchise's cryptic social post has kept fans guessing. With key decisions pending for IPL 2026, the coming weeks could offer more clarity on where the team is headed.

News Correspondent