Rajasthan Royals included Dasun Shanaka in the team, deal worth so many crores

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 23, 2026

Shanaka will join Rajasthan for Rs 2 crore. He has played six Tests, 71 ODIs and 131 T20I matches for Sri Lanka, and has more than 3350 runs and 86 wickets to his name in international cricket. Shanaka captained the Sri Lankan team in the recently concluded T-20 World Cup.

Shanaka was to play for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League. But he withdrew from that tournament to join Rajasthan team. Shanaka has previously played IPL for Gujarat Titans.

Rajasthan Royals Director of Cricket and Head Coach Kumar Sangakkara said, “We are disappointed to lose a player of Sam’s caliber just before the start of the season.”

He further added, “Sam makes vital contributions to the team with both bat and ball. However, we are glad to have found a great replacement for him, Dasun Shanaka. He is a brilliant finisher with the bat and also an excellent all-rounder, who helps maintain the balance of our team.”

Curran was a part of the Chennai Super Kings team last season but came to the Rajasthan team through trade before this season’s auction. But he was ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a groin injury.

Rajasthan Royals team will play its first match in IPL 2026 against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 in Guwahati. After Sanju Samson was traded to Chennai, Riyan Parag has been given the command of the team this season.