Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara, who has been associated with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL as head coach for quite some time now, is likely to leave his role to take charge of England’s white-ball team. According to a report in Cricbuzz on Friday, the legendary batter is favourite to replace Matthew Mott as England’s new white-ball head coach, and if he leaves for the national team, RR is likely to appoint Rahul Dravid as head coach.
Dravid, who ended his two-and-a-half-year stint with the Indian team as head coach in June 2024, has played for RR in the IPL from 2011 to 2013.
Mott, who was appointed as England’s white-ball coach in 2022, led England to the T20 World Cup title in 2022, but during his time, England also failed to defend its ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup titles in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
He stepped down from his role last month, and after his departure, former opening batter Marcus Trescothick was given the team’s charge on an interim basis.
A few days ago, Sangakkara, who is the second-leading run scorer in ODIs, was asked about the opportunity of becoming England’s white-ball head coach, and he didn’t reject the idea.
“Well, I know my name has been mentioned for some reason, but there has not been any approach as such. I think the England white-ball job is an exciting prospect for anyone, but there are so many good candidates out there. I am very happy at the moment. The Rajasthan Royals experience has been very fulfilling, and it has been a job I have really enjoyed over the last four years,” Sangakkara was quoted as saying by English media.
It has been reported that Sangakkara is close to Rob Key, who is the managing director of England’s men’s team. In addition to that, Sangakkara has worked with England’s white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, at the Royals and is known to have developed a good relationship with him.
Apart from Sangakkara, former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff’s name is also doing the rounds for the top job.
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