KKR-Rajasthan Royals deal hits a gigantic deadlock amid Sanju Samson trade
Published - 17 Aug 2025, 12:56 PM | Updated - 17 Aug 2025, 01:03 PM
Kolkata Knight Riders have ended their association with head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who was part of their IPL-winning campaign in 2024. According to the latest reports, the Kolkata-based franchise may consider former Sri Lanka player Kumar Sangakkara as the next head coach to take charge of the team.
Pandit took charge of Kolkata Knight Riders after the 2022 season but endured a tough start, with the side finishing seventh in IPL 2023. However, under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, KKR bounced back to lift their third IPL trophy in 2024.
Ahead of IPL 2025, the franchise made major changes, replacing Iyer with Ajinkya Rahane as skipper. The move backfired, as the team finished eighth and missed out on the playoffs.
Kolkata Knight Riders Eye Kumar Sangakkara as Head Coach
According to The Telegraph, Kolkata Knight Riders are keen on appointing Kumar Sangakkara as head coach. The franchise, which finished eighth under Ajinkya Rahane with only five wins, is also exploring options like Sanju Samson to strengthen their squad with a reliable Indian wicketkeeper-batsman.
"KKR are also learnt to have renewed their interest in roping in Royals’ current director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara. They are without a head coach since releasing Chandrakant Pandit earlier this month," the report read.
After their title win in 2024, the Knight Riders struggled in the next IPL season. They managed five victories in 14 outings. KKR lost two of their last three matches, while another was washed out, which kept them out of the playoffs. The franchise is preparing to overhaul the team for the 2026 edition.
Kumar Sangakkara Has Been with the Rajasthan Royals Since 2021
Kumar Sangakkara began his tenure with the Rajasthan Royals in 2021. The former Sri Lanka skipper has had a mixed journey, overseeing the team that reached the 2022 IPL final, where they lost to the Gujarat Titans (GT).
The franchise endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing ninth with only four wins. Apart from his IPL role, Sangakkara has also been involved in decision-making for the Royals’ sister franchises, though speculation suggests he could now leave the setup.
Sanju Samson has requested a release from the franchise after disagreements with management. The Royals’ decision not to retain Jos Buttler reportedly triggered the conflict. However, Samson signed a three-year contract, which limits his options unless the franchise releases him.
No Concrete Development on Kumar Sangakkara Joining KKR, Says Boria Majumdar
Boria Majumdar has clarified that talk of Kumar Sangakkara taking up a role with Kolkata Knight Riders remains unconfirmed. He noted that there may be speculation or informal discussions, but no concrete decision has been made by the franchise.
"For all who have asked about Kumar Sangakkara and KKR, there is nothing concrete at the moment. @RevSportzGlobal @KnightsVibe," Boria wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
For all who have asked about Kumar Sangakkara and KKR, there is nothing concrete at the moment. @RevSportzGlobal @KnightsVibe
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) August 17, 2025
Also read: Not Sanju Samson!! Rajasthan Royals' throw a shocking name in India squad for Asia Cup 2025
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