IPL 2021: Rajasthan Royal welcomes the Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara as he joined the Rajasthan side ahead of the start of the IPL 2021 season. “Welcome home, Sanga” was the message on the Twitter page of the Royals. The Sri Lankan legend was wearing a face mask and donned a pink Rajasthan Royals cap.
The Rajasthan side start their IPL 2021 campaign on April 12 with their first match being against Punjab Kings at Mumbai. The team is led by Sanju Samson and has Paddy Upton as the Head Coach. The team also has their first captain Shane Warne as the mentor, along with a host of support staff.
Kumar Sangakkara retired from international cricket in 2015 after playing in the ODI World Cup that year and a home series against India. But he went on to have a great stint with English county team Surrey and has mentored them as well.
Rajasthan Royals have been one of the most troubled and under-performing teams in IPL history. Their surprise win in the opening season of IPL in 2008, under the leadership of Shane Warne was a legendary feat.
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But after that, they haven’t lived up to expectations and were also caught up in betting and fixing scandals in the following seasons. Sangakkara’s wise cricket counsel that has helped Surrey may just be what they need to make a mark. This, along with inspiration provided by Shane Warne could be the dose they need to get back into contention for the title.
Apart from Sangakkara, Upton, and Warne, the other members of the support staff include Amol Mazumdar (batting coach), Sairaj Bahutule (bowling coach), among others.
This season is very important for Rajasthan Royals as they will be playing under the leadership of Sanju Samson and have brought in some new players. They have splurged money on Chris Morris who became the most expensive buy in the history of IPL.
Whether this new season will mark a new dawn or continue Royals’ disappointing run remains to be seen.
