Rajasthan Royals parts ways with Sairaj Bahutule, Dishant Yagnik ahead of IPL 2026

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) continue making changes to their coaching staff ahead of IPL 2026. After head coach Rahul Dravid stepped down and CEO Jake Lush McCrum exited earlier this year, the franchise has now decided to part ways with spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and long-serving fielding coach Dishant Yagnik, following a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign.

The franchise endured one of its poorest seasons in recent history, finishing ninth in the points table with only four wins in 14 matches. The underwhelming performance triggered a comprehensive review of the team’s structure, from leadership to coaching staff. The franchise has already seen some exits, with Dravid, who joined as head coach after India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, choosing to walk away after just one season. The former India batter and coach had earlier served the Royals as a captain and mentor, and his exit was viewed as a big blow to the franchise’s stability.

Bahutule, who joined the Royals last year after a stint at the National Cricket Academy, has been relieved of his duties. His tenure with RR was short-lived, and the team will now look for a new spin-bowling coach to take charge before the next season. Meanwhile, Yagnik had been associated with the franchise for over a decade. The former RR wicketkeeper-batter transitioned into the fielding coach role in 2018 and worked closely with both Indian and overseas players.

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Vikram Rathour, Shane Bond to continue with their roles

According to a Cricbuzz report, strength and conditioning coach Varun Ghosh has been let go. Furthermore, sources suggest that Kumar Sangakkara, who is set to return as head coach, is keen on building his own coaching group. Names such as Trevor Penney and Sunil Joshi are being discussed as potential additions to the backroom staff, while Vikram Rathour (batting coach) and Shane Bond (fast-bowling coach) are expected to continue.

Apart from the coaching staff, current captain Sanju Samson has reportedly asked to be released or traded ahead of IPL 2026, though no final decision has been made. If Samson departs, the Royals will be forced to appoint a new leader at a time when the franchise is already undergoing significant restructuring. With young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel in their ranks, the management will need to make a viable decision.