Kumar Sangakkara Poised To Become England’s White-Ball Head Coach; Rahul Dravid Tipped To Succeed Him At Rajasthan Royals

Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara, currently serving as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, is reportedly in line to take over as England’s white-ball team head coach.

According to a report by Cricbuzz on Friday, the legendary batter is the frontrunner to replace Matthew Mott, who stepped down from the role last month.

If Sangakkara takes up the England job, Rajasthan Royals are likely to appoint former India head coach Rahul Dravid as their new head coach.

Dravid, who concluded his two-and-a-half-year tenure with the Indian national team in June 2024, previously played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL from 2011 to 2013.

Matthew Mott, appointed as England’s white-ball coach in 2022, led the team to victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, England failed to defend their ODI and T20 World Cup titles in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

After Mott’s departure, former opener Marcus Trescothick was appointed as interim head coach.

When recently asked about the prospect of becoming England’s white-ball head coach, Sangakkara didn’t dismiss the possibility.

“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,” Sangakkara told the English media.