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Dasun Shanaka Replaces Injured Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka is set to join the Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured English player Sam Curran for the upcoming IPL season. Curran was ruled out of the tournament due to a groin injury after being part of a major pre-auction trade between RR and Chennai Super Kings. Shanaka, who recently captained Sri Lanka at the T20 World Cup, will depart from his Pakistan Super League commitment with Lahore Qalandars to make the switch. The Royals will begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 in Guwahati.

Key Points: IPL 2026: Dasun Shanaka to Replace Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals

  • Shanaka replaces injured Sam Curran
  • Curran ruled out with groin injury
  • Formal switch from PSL being finalized
  • Shanaka captained Sri Lanka at T20 World Cup
  • RR opens season vs CSK on March 30
2 min read

IPL 2026: Dasun Shanaka set to replace injured Sam Curran for Rajasthan Royals

Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka joins Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran ahead of IPL 2026 season.

"Shanaka has informed the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars about the move. - ESPNcricinfo"

New Delhi, March 22

Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka is set to replace the injured Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Shanaka has informed the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars about the move. The formalities for the switch are currently being finalised.

Sam Curran, who 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--has been ruled out of the tournament due to a groin injury.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will start their IPL campaign with a match against the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (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.

For Sri Lanka, Shanaka has featured in 131 T20Is, having scored 1,912 runs. He has also taken 46 wickets in those matches.

Shanaka also captained Sri Lanka at the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. He has decent form behind him. He struck a 20-ball fifty against Oman and followed it up with an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls against Pakistan.

Notably, Shanak becomes the second player in recent days to leave a PSL side for an IPL franchise after Blessing Muzarabani pulled out of his deal with Islamabad United after Kolkata Knight Riders reached out to him to be a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was released on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India earlier.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, a bit underwhelming. His IPL record isn't great. RR needed a proper death bowler after Curran. Shanaka is more of a batting all-rounder. Let's see what the management's plan is.
R
Rohit P
The PSL to IPL pipeline is real! First Muzarabani, now Shanaka. Shows where the real money and prestige is. Excited for the Guwahati opener against CSK! 🏏
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this makes the RR vs CSK match even more interesting. Samson facing his old team, Jadeja and Curran (injured) also part of that trade. So many storylines!
K
Karthik V
Shanaka is a good utility player. Can hit big and bowl a few overs of medium pace. Perfect for the Impact Player rule. Hope he gets more chances than he did with GT.
M
Michael C
The injury to Curran is a huge blow. He was one of their most expensive picks. RR's season might depend on how well this replacement works out. High-pressure situation for Shanaka.

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