Rajasthan Royals Reinforce Their Firepower: Dasun Shanaka Slotted In To Replace Injured Sam Curran

Updated: March 22, 2026 18:30

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Rajasthan Royals are close to finalising Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka as their marquee all‑rounder replacement for the injured Sam Curran in IPL 2026. The 32‑year‑old seam‑bowling batter will bolster RR’s middle‑order firepower and death‑bowling options ahead of their campaign opener against Chennai Super Kings on March 30.

Rajasthan Royals confirmed that England’s Sam Curran has been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a groin injury picked up during the 2026 T20 World Cup. The left‑arm pace all‑rounder, traded from Chennai Super Kings alongside Ravindra Jadeja, was expected to play a pivotal role with both bat and ball, making his absence a major setback for the inaugural IPL champions.

What went wrong for Rajasthan Royals

Curran’s injury has left a sizeable gap in Rajasthan’s finishing and death‑overs department. The former England internationals’ recent T20 World Cup performance, where he scored 122 runs and took six wickets, highlighted his value as a finisher and impact bowler. With the season starting on March 30 in Guwahati against CSK, RR were forced to move quickly into replacement mode via the IPL’s registered available player pool mechanism.

Why Dasun Shanaka fits the bill

Dasun Shanaka brings rich T20 International experience, having played 131 T20Is and amassed over 1,900 runs alongside 46 wickets. The 32‑year‑old Sri Lankan captain-style all‑rounder is known for his aggressive batting at the death and dependable medium‑pace, making him a natural foil for Curran’s multi‑role contribution. His previous stint with Gujarat Titans in the IPL also gives him familiarity with the tournament’s tempo and conditions.

Structural impact on Rajasthan’s 2026 XI

With Shanaka joining, Rajasthan can retain a three‑all‑rounder core alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Yashasvi Jaiswal, giving skipper Sanju Samson multiple options in tight run‑chases and crucial overs. The left‑hand‑right‑hand mix in the lower middle order along with death bowling depth should help the Royals mitigate the loss of Curran’s strike‑bowling and late‑overs hitting.

Key highlights

Rajasthan Royals to sign Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka as replacement for Sam Curran in IPL 2026
Sam Curran ruled out for the season due to a groin injury sustained during the T20 World Cup
RR open their IPL 2026 campaign against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on March 30
Shanaka brings 131 T20I caps, over 1,900 runs and 46 wickets, plus prior IPL experience
The move bolsters RR’s death‑overs batting and bowling options without disrupting squad balance

Sources: ESPNcricinfo, NDTV Sports, Cricketnmore, India TV, News18 Sports

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