Rajasthan Royals have brought in Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The franchise secured Shanaka’s services for INR 2 crore following Curran’s withdrawal due to injury.
Curran, who had recently joined the Royals from Chennai Super Kings through a player trade, has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a groin injury. His absence created a gap in the squad, prompting the team to act swiftly in securing a suitable replacement.
Shanaka arrives with significant international experience and a proven track record as an all-rounder. He has represented Sri Lanka across all formats, featuring in six Tests, 71 One Day Internationals, and 131 T20 Internationals. Over the course of his international career, he has accumulated more than 3,350 runs and claimed 86 wickets, highlighting his value as a dual contributor with both bat and ball.
The 32-year-old was initially set to participate in the Pakistan Super League with Lahore Qalandars. However, the opportunity to join Rajasthan Royals in the IPL led to a change in plans, with the franchise moving quickly to finalize the deal.
This will not be Shanaka’s first appearance in the IPL. He previously had a stint with Gujarat Titans, giving him some familiarity with the league’s demands and conditions. His ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game is expected to strengthen Rajasthan’s squad balance, especially in the absence of Curran.
Rajasthan Royals are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign with a home fixture against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on March 30. The team will be hoping that Shanaka can quickly integrate into the squad and make an immediate impact as they look to start their season on a strong note.
With Curran sidelined, Shanaka’s inclusion provides Rajasthan with an experienced option who can stabilize the middle order while also offering useful overs with the ball. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on how effectively he steps into the role and contributes to the team’s ambitions for the season.
