Sam Curran and Dasun Shanaka (Image Agency) Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara has expressed his disappointment over Sam Curran’s absence for the IPL 2026 season, calling it a major setback for the franchise. The England all-rounder was ruled out with a groin injury just days before the tournament began.In response, the Royals quickly brought in Dasun Shanaka as Curran’s replacement, with Sri Lanka’s T20I captain confirmed in an official announcement on Monday.
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IPL 2026 should be an audition for India’s next T20I captain Curran arrived at Rajasthan Royals as part of a successful pre-auction deal involving Chennai Super Kings. The deal saw CSK secure Sanju Samson while Royals got Curran along with Ravindra Jadeja. However, his injury has now forced an early exit before he could make an impact this season.“We are disappointed to lose a player of Sam’s caliber so close to the start of the season,” said Sangakkara, who serves as director of cricket and head coach at Rajasthan Royals.“Sam brings immense value with both bat and ball. However, we are delighted to have found the ideal replacement in Dasun Shanaka, a finisher with the bat and a quality all-rounder who helps balance our side,” he added.Shanaka comes in with considerable T20 experience and is expected to slot into the lower middle order, offering both finishing ability and all-round depth. He previously featured in the IPL during the 2023 season for Gujarat Titans where he played three matches.Shanaka’s move to RR makes him the second international player after Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani to leave the Pakistan Super League for the Indian Premier League.Rajasthan Royals will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. After this clash, they are scheduled to face Gujarat Titans on April 4, Mumbai Indians on April 7 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10.
