Rajasthan Royals are shaking up their coaching team ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise, winners of the inaugural IPL back in 2008, has parted ways with longtime fielding coach Dishant Yagnik, according to sources close to the development.
Yagnik first joined RR as a player from the 2011 to 2014 IPL seasons before switching to coaching duties in 2018. He played a big role in developing both Indian and international talents during his time there. “Yes, it’s confirmed—RR and Yagnik have gone their separate ways. This happened a while back but only surfaced now,” the sources told on Saturday.
This change follows closely on the heels of Rahul Dravid’s exit as head coach. Dravid had signed a multi-year deal with RR after leading India to victory in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup. But after a disappointing IPL 2025, where the team finished ninth with just four wins in 14 matches, he stepped down.
Now, RR’s coaching staff includes batting coach Vikram Rathour, fast bowling coach Shane Bond, and spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. The team is clearly rebuilding after that tough campaign.
Yagnik isn’t sitting idle. He’s set to take on the fielding coach role for Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming domestic season. Last year, he helped the team reach the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals as part of their support staff.
As RR gears up for the mini auction, they’re also facing questions about captain Sanju Samson’s future. Reports suggest Samson might not stick around, which could force the franchise to rethink leadership and strategy for IPL 2026.
In other coaching news, former India spinner and national selector Sunil Joshi could soon join the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as spin-bowling coach. Joshi has spent the last two seasons in that role with Punjab Kings.
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