Former BCCI selector trolls Rajasthan Royals with ‘mediocre’ comment after Kumar Sangakkara, Ravindra Jadeja come on board

Rajasthan Royals have made a bold but expected move ahead of IPL 2026 by bringing back Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach. However, the Sri Lankan legend will also continue as the Royals’ director of cricket for the next edition of the tournament.

Kumar Sangakkara previously served as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals from 2021 to 2024, and guided them to the 2022 IPL final and playoffs in 2024. After a one-year stint with Rahul Dravid in IPL 2025, the franchise is looking to Sangakkara’s experience to make a strong comeback next year.

Rajasthan Royals go full filmy to announce Kumar Sangakkara as head coach ahead of IPL 2026

Apart from the new appointment of the legendary Sri Lankan batsman as the head coach, Rajasthan Royals have also reshuffled their coaching staff. Vikram Rathod has been promoted to assistant coach, Shane Bond remains as bowling coach, and Trevor Penny and Sid Lahiri return as assistant coach and performance coach respectively.

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However, RR is yet to announce their captain for IPL 2026 after trading Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, there is talk that Ravindra Jadeja is likely to be appointed the next captain of the Royals before the next edition of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals announced the appointment of Sangakkara as head coach in a completely filmy style. In the post, a RR can be seen raising the curtain on the suspense and then the former Sri Lankan captain entering a car wearing a pink suit.

Not only that, he also added some AI elements to give it a completely filmy look, and he also added the title song, ‘Hukum’ from the South Indian film Jailer in the background. The royals captioned the post, “𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒌𝒂 𝑯𝒖𝒌𝒖𝒎 .”

Jatin Paranjape calls Rajasthan Royals ‘mediocre’ after cinematic announcement

However, this drama has left many people divided, with some even trolling the franchise for this colorful introduction of the expected head coach. Bringing a new twist to this, former Indian selector Jatin Paranjape trolled Rajasthan Royals on social media.

The former Indian all-rounder called RR’s overall approach “mediocre”, taking aim at their staff appointments, team selection strategy and even marketing efforts. His comment comes after Sangakkara posted an attractive and cinematic style of Royals.

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Responding to Royals’ post on

RR is having a period of mediocrity across the board – staffing, team selection, marketing… https://t.co/3m9cGnvx8i

– Jatin Paranjape (@jats72) 17 November 2025

RR owner Manoj Badale backs Kumar Sangakkara to guide the team with experience and calm leadership

Meanwhile, RR chief owner, Manoj Badale believes that Sangakkara’s deep understanding of the team culture, leadership skills and experience with the team will strengthen the team as they prepare for IPL 2026. He feels that Sangakkara’s calm approach and cricketing intelligence will effectively guide the players in this next phase.

Manoj Badale said, “As we looked at what the team needed at this level, we felt his familiarity within the team, his leadership and his deep understanding of the Royals culture would bring the right balance of continuity and stability.

As a leader, Kumar has always had our full confidence. His clarity, calmness and cricketing intelligence will play a vital role in guiding the team into the next phase.”