Dasun Shanaka is said to be the frontrunner to join Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season as a substitute player, stepping down from the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The Sri Lanka captain was picked up by Lahore Qalandars in the recently concluded PSL 2026 auction.
According to Sri Lankan media outlet Newswire, Shanaka became the latest to quit the PSL after Zimbabwean Blessing Muzarabani joined IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026. “Although there is no official confirmation, sources suggest that Shanaka is in talks with IPL franchises to seek compensation for injured players,” the report said.
The report further adds that all-rounder Shanaka is in talks to join Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for England’s Sam Curran. The England all-rounder joined the 2008 champions as part of the trade deal that saw Sanju Samson join Chennai Super Kings. Curran is believed to be recovering from a groin injury. Shanaka went unsold in the IPL 2026 auction.
“Rajasthan Royals are among the teams facing concerns, with England all-rounder Sam Curran said to be unavailable due to injury. Shanaka, a fast bowling all-rounder with similar skills, is seen as a potential replacement,” the report added.
