The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the three-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), are reportedly in talks with Kumar Sangakkara for a mentorship role ahead of the IPL 2026 season. KKR won the 2024 season by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. That was also the year Gautam Gambhir, a former two-time IPL-winning KKR captain, rejoined the team as a mentor.

Sangakkara in Talks with KKR

Sources told The Telegraph that Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the director of cricket at Rajasthan Royals since 2021, has decided to leave the franchise. India’s T20 World Cup-winning head coach Rahul Dravid is set to return to the Royals ahead of the 2026 season, and former India batting coach Vikram Rathour may also join him.

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KKR already have Chandrakant Pandit as head coach, Bharat Arun as bowling coach, Abhishek Nayar as assistant coach, and Ryan ten Doeschate as fielding coach in Gautam Gambhir’s support staff. Reports say KKR are in advanced talks with Sangakkara, though he is also considering offers from other franchises. A final decision is expected soon.

🚨| It's been heard that Kumar Sangakkara has shown interest in joining KKR’s support staff.

~ Rohit Juglan pic.twitter.com/s5yRILMyY0

— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) August 13, 2025

Sanju Samson Trade Talks

The BCCI is likely to announce the terms of retention for franchises this month, starting the process for the mega auction. Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson is on KKR’s radar. Reports say KKR are open to a player trade with RR — something CSK refused when asked for Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube in exchange. KKR are reportedly willing to offer young talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Ramandeep Singh to secure Samson.