Dasun Shanaka Replaces Injured Sam Curran in IPL 2026, Chooses IPL Over PSL

Rajasthan Royals have announced Sri Lankan all-rounder and T20I captain Dasun Shanaka as the replacement for Sam Curran for the Indian Premier League after the English all-rounder was ruled out due to injury. Shanaka went unsold at last year’s auction in Abu Dhabi and was later picked by Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League for PKR 75 Lakh. 

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Shanaka was the second player to prefer IPL over PSL. The first player was Zimbabwe’s fast bowler, Blessing Muzarabani. Last year, South Africa’s all-rounder did the same by leaving Peshawar Zalmi to sign with the Mumbai Indians. PSL imposed a one-year ban on him. 

Kumar Sangakkara, Head Coach Statement on Sam Curran and his Replacement Dasun Shanaka

As per the Rajasthan Royals official Website, the Head Coach of Rajasthan Royals said: “We are disappointed to lose a player of Sam’s calibre so close to the start of the season.” He also added, “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.”

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Dasun Shanaka Stats 

He made his debut in international cricket in 2015, and to date, he has played 131 T20I matches and scored 1912 runs with an average of 20.55 and a strike rate of 128.40.

This year, in the T20 World Cup 2026, he has scored his highest runs. He scored an unbeaten 76 against Pakistan. 

He also performed well with his bowling by picking 46 wickets at an average of 25.10 and a strike of 18.2. His best bowling figures are 3/16. In addition, he has also represented the Gujarat Titans in the 2023 season.

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PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi’s statement on International Players

As per Hindustan Times, he said: “As far as international players are concerned. Just look at the players who are coming for this year’s PSL. Yes, two to three players have also left. We are planning to take legal action against them. But look at the difference in players this year as compared to the previous few years.”

Further, he added, “There is a regional issue going on, but we have gotten many category A players involved this year. Players who never came to Pakistan have now started to come here for the PSL. It doesn’t matter that we are clashing with the IPL, because there are many players worldwide. Despite the IPL, we are getting many international players on board.”

Rajasthan Royals Schedule IPL 2026 First Phase

Here is the schedule of the Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 First Phase