ROYALS SHAKEUP
RR has ended contracts with spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and fielding coach Dishant Yagnik © BCCI/IPL
The purge at Rajasthan Royals continues ceaselessly. Following the sudden and unexpected exits of head coach Rahul Dravid and CEO Jake Lush McCrum, the franchise has now parted ways with two more key members of its support staff even as uncertainty remains over the continuation of skipper Sanju Samson – who has sought a release.
Cricbuzz can confirm that the franchise has ended contracts with spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and fielding coach Dishant Yagnik. Bahutule joined the franchise only last year after a stint at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Yagnik’s association with the franchise has been a long one, beginning as a player before transitioning into the role of fielding coach. He recently made a cryptic post hinting at his exit. There are also indications that strength and conditioning coach Varun Ghosh has been relieved of his contract.
As Cricbuzz has previously reported, the management has undertaken a major overhaul following a lacklustre campaign last season, when the team finished a disappointing ninth in the IPL table. The changes in the coaching team are viewed as part of this wider shake-up.
Kumar Sangakkara is expected to take over as head coach in place of Rahul Dravid. Although the franchise has not yet made a formal announcement on the new coach, the Sri Lankan is understood to be making key decisions in consultation with lead owner Manoj Badale.
It is likely that Sangakkara will have his own team of coaches. Trevor Penney, who was previously associated with the Rajasthan Royals, may return to be part of the Jaipur-based franchise. Vikram Rathour, the former India batting coach, continues with the franchise and he is believed to be working closely with Sangakkara. Bowling coach Shane Bond retains his position in the team, as of now.
It is still unclear how the Sanju Samson affair will unfold. The player has formally requested the franchise to release or trade him, but no deal has materialised so far. It remains to be seen whether the India keeper-batter will be released for the auction or retained.
Cricbuzz has reached out to the RR management.
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