RR Sign Dasun Shanaka For Rs 2 Crore as Injury Rules Sam Curran Out of IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals have announced Dasun Shanaka as the replacement for Sam Curran for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, after the English all-rounder was ruled out due to injury. The franchise confirmed that Shanaka will join the squad for a fee of ₹2 crore, stepping in just ahead of the tournament.

Curran’s absence is seen as a significant setback for the Royals, given his reputation as a match-winning all-rounder. He had been traded to Rajasthan Royals ahead of the season, alongside Ravindra Jadeja, in a high-profile deal that also involved Sanju Samson moving in the opposite direction. The late withdrawal forced the team management to quickly identify a suitable replacement to maintain squad balance.

Speaking on the development, head coach and director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara expressed disappointment over losing Curran but welcomed Shanaka’s inclusion. He described Shanaka as a reliable finisher and a capable all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball, adding that his presence would help preserve the team’s overall composition.

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Shanaka brings considerable international experience, having represented Sri Lanka across formats with over 3,300 runs and 86 wickets to his name. He has previously featured in the IPL with Gujarat Titans, although his appearances have been limited. Despite going unsold in the previous IPL auction, his consistent performances in international cricket have kept him in demand.

The signing also highlights a growing trend of players shifting from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to the IPL. Shanaka, who was earlier picked by Lahore Qalandars for the PSL season, becomes one of the latest international players to make the switch. Similar moves in the past have even led to disciplinary action by PSL authorities, reflecting the competitive dynamics between the two leagues.

Rajasthan Royals are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30. With Shanaka’s inclusion, the team will look to quickly adapt to the late change and start their season on a strong note despite the setback caused by Curran’s injury.

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