Rajasthan Royals have continued with their coaching overhaul ahead of IPL 2026 Auction. Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara replaced Rahul Dravid as head coach following a disastrous IPL 2025 campaign. Now, bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has also parted ways with the franchise.
RR part ways with Sairaj Bahutule ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
As per Cricbuzz, Sairaj Bahutule has been let go by the franchise as they continue their review of IPL 2025. The 2008 champions finished 9th, only ahead of Chennai Supe Kings. Bahutule was the franchise for only a season having joined after a stint with the NCA.
The Royals were a high performing franchise in the previous cycles qualifying for the playoffs in all 3 seasons. They reached the final in IPL 2022 with Sanga as head coach but lost to Gujarat Titans.
Alongside Bahutule, RR have also parted ways with Dishant Yagnik. Yagnik, who featured for the franchise in early 2010s, was the fielding coach. From IPL 2025, only bowling coach Shane Bond and batting coach Vikram Rathour have managed to survive the purge. Trevor Penny, a former staff at RR and a close aide of Kumar Sangakkara, is rumoured to return.
The off season post IPL 2025 has been anything but smooth sailing for Rajasthan Royals. Captain Sanju Samson wants out and it is unclear whether the large scale changes in the backroom staff are aimed at appeasing the skipper. It is known that the 30-year-old miffed with how his injury was managed last year. He also expressed his displeasure at decisions at the auction table, particularly the release of Jos Buttler.
The post After Rahul Dravid, Rajasthan Royals sack Sairaj Bahutule ahead of IPL 2026 Auction as shake up continues appeared first on Inside Sport India.