Breaking news from the IPL 2026 replacement market — Dasun Shanaka has replaced the injured Sam Curran at Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026, joining the franchise for ₹2 crore. Olympics The move was confirmed today, March 23, just five days before the tournament opener.
This is a significant development for RR fans who had been nervously watching the injury situation develop over recent weeks. Curran’s absence was a major blow — and now, a replacement has been found.
Why Shanaka? What Does He Bring to RR?
Dasun Shanaka is no stranger to big stage cricket. The Sri Lankan all-rounder led his national side at the recent T20 World Cup and arrives in Rajasthan with excellent batting form behind him. He hit a 20-ball 50 against Oman and 76 not out in 31 balls against Pakistan Olympics in recent international cricket — the kind of explosive finishing ability that RR desperately needed to replace Curran.
Shanaka is a lower-order batter and medium-pace bowler — a combination that mirrors Curran’s role almost perfectly. He bats with aggression in the death overs, bowls tight lines with the ball, and provides the kind of batting depth that separates playoff-bound sides from those that fall short.
RR director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara said: “Sam brings immense value with both bat and ball. However, we are pleased to have found an ideal replacement in Dasun Shanaka, a finisher with the bat and a quality all-rounder who helps maintain the balance of our side.” Olympics
The Curran Situation — What Happened?
Sam Curran has a groin issue which has ruled him out of the IPL entirely. Olympics The England all-rounder arrived at RR as part of the blockbuster pre-season trade that sent Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings and brought Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan. It was a trade that generated enormous excitement — and Curran was expected to be a key cog in RR’s plans.
His absence now leaves a significant hole, but Shanaka’s arrival at least provides like-for-like cover in terms of the batting all-rounder role.
The PSL Controversy
Shanaka’s move to the IPL has not been without controversy. He has informed his PSL franchise, Lahore Qalandars, of his decision to opt out — a move that has drawn criticism. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said the board will be taking action against players such as Shanaka and Blessing Muzarabani who have opted out of the PSL for IPL deals. Olympics
Shanaka becomes the second player to walk away from his PSL team to join an IPL franchise in recent days, after Muzarabani opted out of Islamabad United to join Kolkata Knight Riders. The ongoing tension between the PSL and IPL windows continues to be one of the most complex storylines in world cricket.
RR’s Full Overseas Squad for IPL 2026
With Shanaka confirmed, RR’s overseas players for IPL 2026 are: Shimron Hetmyer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Donovan Ferreira, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka, Adam Milne, and now Dasun Shanaka. Olympics
It is a strong and varied overseas contingent. Jofra Archer — when fit — remains one of the most dangerous pace bowlers in the world. Hetmyer provides explosive power hitting. And now Shanaka adds genuine all-round depth.
Can RR Challenge for the Title?
RR, who finished one off the bottom last season, begin their IPL 2026 campaign on Monday, March 30, in Guwahati against CSK. Olympics That match already carries enormous storyline weight — Jadeja facing his former team, Samson facing his former teammates. Add Shanaka’s debut to the mix and it promises to be one of the matches of the season.
RR will need everything to click from the start. They have the talent — Riyan Parag leading the batting, Jadeja providing all-round excellence, Jofra Archer anchoring the pace attack. Whether they can translate that talent into results after a difficult 2025 season remains to be seen.
Stay tuned to Match Points Table for full coverage of Rajasthan Royals and every IPL 2026 team throughout the season.
Published by Match Points Table | matchpointstable.com | March 23, 2026