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Sangakkara Rues Curran's IPL 2026 Absence, RR Names Shanaka as Replacement

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara expressed disappointment over losing Sam Curran to a groin injury just before the IPL 2026 season. The franchise has moved quickly to replace him, signing Sri Lankan T20I captain and all-rounder Dasun Shanaka. Shanaka is expected to provide finishing power and balance to the Royals' side with his all-round skills. RR will begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 in Guwahati.

Key Points: Sam Curran Out of IPL 2026, Dasun Shanaka Joins Rajasthan Royals

  • Sam Curran ruled out with groin injury
  • Dasun Shanaka signed as replacement
  • Curran part of major CSK-RR trade
  • RR begins campaign vs CSK March 30
  • Shanaka brings T20I experience
2 min read

"Disappointed to lose player of his calibre": RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara on Sam Curran missing IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara disappointed as Sam Curran misses IPL 2026 due to injury. Sri Lanka's Dasun Shanaka named as replacement.

"We are disappointed to lose a player of Sam's calibre so close to the start of the season. - Kumar Sangakkara"

Jaipur, March 23

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara expressed disappointment on Sam Curran missing the Indian Premier League 2026 season, following an injury, saying disappointed to lose a player of his calibre.

Rajasthan Royals on Monday announced Sri Lankan all-rounder and T20I captain Dasun Shanaka as the replacement for Curran, according to a press release from RR.

Curran was involved in the high-profile pre-auction trade between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals, a deal that saw CSK acquire Sanju Samson while RR brought in Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Curran has been ruled out of the tournament due to a groin injury.

"We are disappointed to lose a player of Sam's calibre so close to the start of the season," said Kumar Sangakkara, Director of Cricket and Head Coach, Rajasthan Royals.

"Sam brings immense value with both bat and ball. However, we are pleased to have found an ideal replacement in Dasun Shanaka, a finisher with the bat and a quality all-rounder who helps maintain the balance of our side," he added.

Shanaka brings vast experience and composure to the Royals' lower-middle order, having been a consistent performer for Sri Lanka in T20 Internationals.

RR will start their IPL campaign with a match against the five-time champions CSK on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. After facing CSK, RR will lock horns with the Gujarat Titans on April 4 and then face the Mumbai Indians on April 7 and then face off against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10.

Shanaka previously featured in the 2023 season of the IPL for the Gujarat Titans, where he played three matches. In three innings, he scored 26 runs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Injuries are part of the game, but losing a star player just before the season starts is tough luck. Shanaka is a good player, but his IPL record isn't very strong. RR's balance looks a bit shaky now.
R
Rohit P
The real story is that trade! Samson for Jadeja+Curran? CSK might have won that one already, especially now. Feel for Sanga and the team management. They planned around Curran.
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Sarah B
Shanaka is a fantastic leader and a clutch player for Sri Lanka. People judging him by 3 games in 2023? Give him a proper run. He can be a surprise package. All the best to him! 🇱🇰
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Nikhil C
With due respect to Sangakkara sir, the team's reliance on overseas all-rounders is a concern. We have good Indian options too. Hope this forces them to give chances to our domestic talent.
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David E
As a neutral fan, this makes the opening match against CSK even more spicy! Jadeja playing against his old team RR, and they're missing their big buy Curran. Cricket's drama is unmatched. 🍿

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