Curran, who was a part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025, was traded to RR along with Ravindra Jadeja as the five-time champions acquired Sanju Samson from the inaugural winners. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are disappointed to lose a player of Sam\u2019s calibre so close to the start of the season. 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,\u201d said Kumar Sangakkara, director of cricket and head coach at the franchise. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cRajasthan Royals (RR) have picked a player replacement for injured Sam Curran for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Dasun Shanaka will join RR for INR 2 Crore as a replacement for Curran. Dasun Shanaka has represented Sri Lanka in 6 Tests, 71 ODIs and 131 T20Is and has over 3350 international runs and 86 wickets in international cricket against his name. The Sri Lankan all-rounder has previously played for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL,\u201d read IPL\u2019s statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shanaka went unsold at last year\u2019s IPL auction in Abu Dhabi, and was later picked up by Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for PKR 75 lakh. With the signing, Shanaka became the second player, after Zimbabwe\u2019s Blessing Muzarabani, to leave PSL and join IPL this year. South Africa's seam-bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch made a similar switch to IPL last year, leaving Peshawar Zalmi to sign with Mumbai Indians, prompting the PSL to impose a one-year ban on him.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cRajasthan Royals (RR) have picked a player replacement for injured Sam Curran for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Dasun Shanaka will join RR for INR 2 Crore as a replacement for Curran. Dasun Shanaka has represented Sri Lanka in 6 Tests, 71 ODIs and 131 T20Is and has over 3350 international runs and 86 wickets in international cricket against his name. The Sri Lankan all-rounder has previously played for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL,\u201d read IPL\u2019s statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
RR will play their season opener against CSK at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30. <\/p>\r\n\r\n