Dasun Shanaka Signs for Rajasthan Royals as Sam Curran Replacement for IPL 2026
Another PSL defection, another big IPL 2026 signing confirmed. Dasun Shanaka, the explosive Sri Lanka all-rounder who was set to feature in this season’s Pakistan Super League, has been signed by Rajasthan Royals as the official replacement for the injured Sam Curran. With RR’s opener against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 fast approaching, IPL 2026 just got another headline move.
Why Sam Curran Is Out of IPL 2026
The Curran situation unfolded quickly and caught RR off guard at the worst possible time. The England all-rounder suffered a suspected groin injury and has been ruled out of the entire season before playing a single game for the franchise.
Curran last featured on March 5 during the T20 World Cup 2026, when England fell to eventual champions India in the semi-final. He never recovered in time to join the Rajasthan camp. This is a painful blow because Curran was one of the most important pieces of RR’s squad rebuild, arriving via a major trade that sent Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Curran and Ravindra Jadeja.
| Player | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Curran | Pace all-rounder | Ruled out, groin injury |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Spin all-rounder | Available |
| Donovan Ferreira | Finisher | Shoulder injury concern |
| Jofra Archer | Pace spearhead | Available |
| Dasun Shanaka | Power hitting all-rounder | Signed as replacement |
Check out the full RR squad and fixtures to see how Shanaka fits into the Rajasthan lineup this season.
Who Is Dasun Shanaka and What Does He Bring
Shanaka is not just a warm body filling a squad slot. He is a proven match-winner in T20 cricket who brings exactly the kind of firepower RR need at the death.
Here is the full picture of what Shanaka offers:
- Scored 165 runs in 7 matches at the T20 World Cup 2026 at a strike rate of 187.50, one of the best in the tournament
- Picked up 3 wickets in the World Cup at an economy of 9, contributing with the ball at crucial stages
- Sri Lanka’s most destructive finisher, capable of changing a game inside four balls lower down the order
- Has prior franchise T20 experience across multiple leagues around the world
- Went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction at a base price of Rs 75 lakh, making him available at a low cost relative to his quality
With Donovan Ferreira also dealing with a shoulder concern, RR needed power-hitting insurance at number six and seven immediately. Shanaka is the perfect fit for that exact role.
The PSL Defection Pattern Continues
This is now becoming a clear trend heading into IPL 2026. Ottneil Baartman left the PSL to join Chennai Super Kings as the Nathan Ellis replacement just days ago. Now Shanaka has followed the same path, walking away from his PSL commitment to join Rajasthan Royals.
The financial difference between PSL and IPL contracts is the driving force. Even a base replacement deal in the IPL comfortably outpays a full PSL season for most overseas players. With multiple IPL franchises actively hunting replacements this pre-season, PSL rosters are increasingly becoming a convenient pool of available talent for IPL teams to pick from.
| PSL to IPL 2026 Defections | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Ottneil Baartman | PSL (Hyderabad Kingsmen) | Chennai Super Kings |
| Dasun Shanaka | PSL | Rajasthan Royals |
Stay up to date with all the pre-season moves by following the IPL 2026 latest updates section throughout the tournament build-up.
What This Means for RR’s Batting Depth
RR’s batting lineup was already considered one of the most exciting in the competition with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag as captain, Shimron Hetmyer, and Ravindra Jadeja forming the core. Shanaka adds genuine firepower to the back end of that order.
His ability to attack spin bowling and clear the boundary at will makes him particularly valuable at venues like Guwahati and Jaipur where RR play their home games this season. On top of the batting, his medium pace and ability to grab wickets in the middle overs gives Riyan Parag an additional bowling option when Jadeja needs a rest.
RR open their campaign at home against CSK on March 30. Check the IPL 2026 season schedule to plan every Rajasthan Royals game across the league stage.
FAQs
Why is Sam Curran not playing IPL 2026?
Sam Curran suffered a suspected groin injury and has been ruled out of the entire IPL 2026 season. He last played for England in the T20 World Cup semi-final against India on March 5.
Who is replacing Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals?
Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lanka T20I all-rounder and PSL defection, has been signed by Rajasthan Royals as the official replacement for Sam Curran.
Why did Shanaka leave PSL to join IPL 2026?
The financial gap between PSL and IPL contracts makes the switch straightforward for most overseas players. Shanaka joins a trend set by Ottneil Baartman, who also left the PSL to join CSK just days earlier.
What were Dasun Shanaka’s T20 World Cup 2026 stats?
Shanaka scored 165 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 187.50 and took 3 wickets in the T20 World Cup 2026, finishing as one of Sri Lanka’s standout performers in the tournament.
When do Rajasthan Royals play their first IPL 2026 match?
RR open their IPL 2026 campaign at home against Chennai Super Kings on March 30, 2026 in Guwahati.
How does Shanaka fit into the RR batting lineup?
Shanaka is expected to bat at number six or seven and provide explosive power hitting at the death, a role that became vacant when both Sam Curran and Donovan Ferreira faced fitness concerns before the season.
