Kumar Sangakkara Set To Become England Head Coach In White-Ball Cricket? Here's The Update

The England cricket team is considering a significant shake-up in their coaching staff, potentially staging an IPL reunion. Reports suggest that Matthew Mott, the current head coach for white-ball formats, is set to depart next week. In light of this, England is exploring the addition of a prominent name to their coaching lineup. Despite a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup and failing to make it to the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, England is reportedly planning to retain Jos Buttler as captain. Kumar Sangakkara, who is Buttler’s boss at the Rajasthan Royals, is emerging as a strong candidate for the head coach role. According to a report by The Telegraph UK, Sangakkara is a leading contender to succeed Mott. As the Director of Cricket for the Rajasthan Royals since January 2021, Sangakkara has overseen a period of notable success, including a run to the IPL final.

Buttler has thrived under Sangakkara’s leadership at the Royals, which could facilitate a smooth transition if Sangakkara were to take charge of the England team. In addition to Sangakkara, other candidates for the role include former Australia batsman Michael Hussey and Jonathan Trott, the head coach of Afghanistan and a former England player. The decision on the new head coach will be pivotal in shaping England’s approach and performance in future white-ball cricket.

Jonathan Trott, who has been the head coach of Afghanistan for the past year and a half, has achieved significant success during his tenure. Under his leadership, Afghanistan secured sixth place in the 2023 ODI World Cup and reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Trott’s achievements have made him a notable candidate for the England head coach position.

Meanwhile, Michael Hussey, who previously served as England's batting coach from 2022 to 2023, is already well-acquainted with the English dressing room. His familiarity with the team dynamics could be an advantage if he were to be considered for the head coach role.

According to reports, former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is unlikely to be in contention for the head coach position. Under the current coaching of Brendon McCullum, England has thrived in Test cricket, establishing a bold and aggressive playing style. With a new head coach, England will look to replicate this success in white-ball formats and aim to reclaim their position at the forefront of limited-overs cricket. As England prepares for a potential coaching overhaul, the decision on the next head coach will be crucial in shaping the team’s future direction and success in international cricket.