Kumar Sangakkara reappointed as Rajasthan Royals' head coach
New Delhi (PTI): Rajasthan Royals on Monday announced Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, following the exit of Rahul Dravid from the role.
Dravid had left the franchise in August this year and Sangakkara, who has been the franchise's Director of Cricket since 2021, will be returning as the head coach having served in the same role from 2021-2024.
"Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara will also take charge as Head Coach for IPL 2026," Rajasthan Royals posted on X.
It was an abrupt end for former India captain Dravid's tenure after returning to the franchise for the 2025 season with a multi-year contract. The T20 World Cup-winning former national coach exited after a "structural review" of the team's poor performance earlier this year.
The franchise endured a terrible run, finishing ninth in the 10-team event with just four wins from 14 games.
Sangakkara's return as head coach comes days after Rajasthan Royals completed the trade of their wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who will join Chennai Super Kings.
In return, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have been roped in by the Royals' camp.
Meanwhile, RR also released a total of seven players, including three overseas, ahead of the mini auction to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.
Among the players released by the Royals are Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Kunal Rathore, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga.
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Delhi Police busts LPG black marketing racket in Bawana, 75 cylinders seized; 1 held
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has busted an LPG cylinder hoarding and black marketing racket in the Bawana area, an officer said on Friday.
A 50-year-old man, identified as Anil, has been arrested and 75 cylinders seized, he said.
The accused was apprehended following a tip-off about the illegal storage and transportation of LPG cylinders in the industrial area.
Acting on the input, a police team laid a picket near District Park in Bawana on Thursday evening. Around 4 pm, a pickup truck was intercepted and checked, leading to the recovery of 27 LPG cylinders, including both domestic and commercial units.
"When questioned, the accused failed to produce any valid documents, including a licence, permit, stock register or proof of ownership for the cylinders," the officer said.
During interrogation, Anil revealed that more cylinders were stored at nearby premises. Based on his disclosure, police raided two rooms and an iron shed near a factory in the area.
"A total of 48 additional cylinders were recovered, taking the overall seizure to 75. The cylinders were stored without safety measures or legal authorisation, posing a serious risk," the officer said.
Disruptions in maritime supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Israel and Iran conflict have caused an LPG crisis in India.
