PSL 2026: Rajasthan Royals have signed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as a replacement for Sam Curran for the IPL 2026 season. Curran has been ruled out due to injury, forcing the franchise to make a late change to their squad.
Curran, who played for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025, was traded to Rajasthan Royals along with Ravindra Jadeja. In return, RR sent Sanju Samson to CSK in one of the biggest moves ahead of the season.
IPL 2026 Update: Kumar Sangakkara Backs Shanaka After Curran Injury
Reacting to the change, team director and head coach Kumar Sangakkara admitted that losing Curran is a big setback. At the same time, he expressed confidence in Shanaka’s ability to step in and do the job.
“We are disappointed to lose a player of Sam’s 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,” said Kumar Sangakkara, director of cricket and head coach at the franchise.
PSL 2026 To IPL 2026: Dasun Shanaka Joins List Of Players Switching Leagues
With this move, Shanaka joins the list of players who have shifted from the PSL to the IPL this season. Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani has also made a similar switch recently.
This is not a new trend either. Last year, South Africa’s Corbin Bosch left Peshawar Zalmi to join the Mumbai Indians, showing how players continue to move between leagues when opportunities come up.
Dasun Shanaka’s IPL Record Ahead Of IPL 2026 Season
Shanaka has had limited chances in the IPL so far. He first played for the Gujarat Titans in 2023 as a replacement for Kane Williamson, where he scored 26 runs in three matches.
He was picked again by the Gujarat Titans in 2025 as a replacement for Glenn Phillips but did not get an opportunity to play that season.
PSL 2026 Impact: Shanaka Brings Experience And Balance To Rajasthan Royals
On the international stage, Shanaka has been a key player for Sri Lanka. He has featured in six Tests, 71 ODIs, and 131 T20Is, scoring more than 3,350 runs and picking up 86 wickets.
His all-round abilities make him a valuable addition to any squad, especially in the T20 format.
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