Dasun Shanaka replacement of Sam Curran: Rajasthan Royals didn’t waste much time reacting to a major setback. Just six days before the start of IPL 2026, the franchise has brought in Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for England’s Sam Curran, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a serious groin injury.
Curran’s absence is a big one. He was a key part of that high-profile trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson, and RR were clearly counting on his ability to swing games with both bat and ball. Reports suggest he picked up the injury during the closing stages of the T20 World Cup earlier this month, and it’s bad enough to keep him out for the entire season.
A Second Chance for Shanaka
For Dasun Shanaka, this is a bit of a full-circle moment. After going unsold in the mini-auction, he suddenly finds himself back in the IPL spotlight—and it’s hard to say he hasn’t earned it.
He had an impressive T20 World Cup campaign for Sri Lanka, highlighted by a blistering 76 off just 31 balls against Pakistan in the Super Eight stage. That innings alone was a reminder of what he can do when he gets going.
Before this call-up, Shanaka was featuring in the PSL with Lahore Qalandars, where he quietly did his job—adding balance to the middle order and finishing games when needed. He may not always grab headlines, but he brings experience, composure, and that finishing touch teams value so much.
A New-Look Rajasthan Royals
This season feels like a fresh chapter for Rajasthan Royals. With Sanju Samson moving on, the captaincy has been handed to Riyan Parag, signaling a shift in direction.
The squad still looks strong on paper. Ravindra Jadeja adds immense all-round value, while Jos Buttler remains one of the most dangerous batters in the format. Shanaka’s arrival only strengthens the lower middle order, giving RR more flexibility in tight situations.
RR’s early fixtures:
- March 30: vs Chennai Super Kings (Guwahati)
- April 4: vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad)
- April 7: vs Mumbai Indians (Guwahati)
Shanaka vs Curran: What Changes?
There’s no direct like-for-like replacement here—it’s more of a tactical shift.
Curran offers control with the ball, especially as a left-arm seamer who can operate in the powerplay and at the death. Shanaka, on the other hand, brings more brute force with the bat and can be a genuine match-winner in the final overs.
Here’s a quick look at how the two stack up:
| Feature | Dasun Shanaka (T20Is/T20s) | Sam Curran (T20Is/IPL) |
|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup 2026 Form | 178 runs (SR: 158.9), 7 wickets | 98 runs (SR: 121), 9 wickets |
| IPL Career Runs | 26 (limited chances) | 997 (Avg: 24.93) |
| IPL Career Wickets | 0 | 59 (ER: 9.74) |
| Batting Style | Right-hand (Power Finisher) | Left-hand (Floating All-rounder) |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Medium | Left-arm Fast-Medium |
| Recent League | PSL 2026 (Lahore Qalandars) | ILT20 2026 (Desert Vipers) |
The Bottom Line
Rajasthan Royals do lose something important with Curran—particularly that left-arm variation, which can be a real asset in T20 cricket. But Shanaka gives them a different kind of edge.
He’s a fearless finisher who can change the course of a game in a matter of overs. And on slower pitches, especially later in the tournament, his ability to take on spin could turn out to be a real advantage.
If RR are looking to make a serious title push this year, Shanaka might just prove to be an inspired addition at the right time.
