Rajasthan Royals Signs Dasun Shanaka as Sam Curran’s Replacement for IPL 2026

Dasun Shanaka has joined the Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026 as a replacement for injured Sam Curran, skipping PSL after strong T20 World Cup form.

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has joined the Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026. He skipped the Pakistan Super League to complete the move. The all-rounder replaced Sam Curran in the squad. Curran, traded from Chennai Super Kings, will miss the season due to a groin injury.

“Dasun Shanaka brings vast experience and composure to the Royals’ lower-middle order, having been a consistent performer for Sri Lanka in T20 Internationals,” RR said in a statement.

“After making his international debut back in 2015, the Lankan all-rounder has played 131 T20I matches for his country and has scored 1912 runs at an average of 20.55 and a strike rate of 128.40. He registered his highest score in the format – an unbeaten 76 – against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup earlier this year. A right-arm medium pacer, Dasun Shanaka has also made an impression with the ball in the shortest format, picking up 46 wickets at an average of 25.10 and a strike rate of 18.2. His best figures are 3/16,” the franchise added.

Notably, Shanaka had gone unsold at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Lahore Qalandars later signed him for PKR 75 lakh in the PSL auction. Strong performances in the recent T20 World Cup boosted his chances. He becomes the second player to leave PSL for IPL this year. Blessing Muzarabani earlier joined KKR, replacing Mustafizur Rahman.

In 2025, Corbin Bosch moved from Peshawar Zalmi to Mumbai Indians. The PSL imposed a 1-year ban after a contract breach. The league continues to face challenges with scheduling alongside the IPL. Several overseas players prefer IPL opportunities and withdraw from PSL deals.

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PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media in Lahore on March 22. He indicated possible legal action against players who violate PSL agreements. The board is reviewing its contract enforcement measures.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals begin IPL 2026 on March 30 against CSK in Guwahati.