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