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Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara has expressed disappointment over the absence of Sam Curran from the IPL 2026 season, calling it a major setback for the franchise. The England all-rounder has been dominated out as a result of a groin harm simply days earlier than the event begins.In response, the Royals have moved swiftly to herald Dasun Shanaka as Curran’s alternative, with the Sri Lankan T20I captain confirmed in an official announcement on Monday.
Curran had arrived at Rajasthan Royals as a part of a blockbuster pre-auction commerce involving Chennai Tremendous Kings. The deal noticed CSK safe Sanju Samson, whereas the Royals acquired Curran alongside Ravindra Jadeja. Nevertheless, his harm has now compelled an early exit earlier than he may make an affect this season.“We’re dissatisfied to lose a participant of Sam’s calibre so near the beginning of the season,” mentioned Sangakkara, who serves as Director of Cricket and Head Coach at Rajasthan Royals.“Sam brings immense worth with each bat and ball. Nevertheless, we’re happy to have discovered an excellent alternative in Dasun Shanaka, a finisher with the bat and a top quality all-rounder who helps preserve the stability of our facet,” he added.Shanaka arrives with appreciable T20 expertise and is anticipated to fit into the decrease center order, providing each ending potential and all-round depth. He beforehand featured within the IPL through the 2023 season for Gujarat Titans, the place he performed three matches.Shanaka’s transfer to RR makes him the second worldwide participant after Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani to go away the Pakistan Tremendous League for a stint within the Indian Premier League.Rajasthan Royals will open their IPL 2026 marketing campaign towards Chennai Tremendous Kings on March 30 on the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Following that conflict, they’re scheduled to face Gujarat Titans on April 4, Mumbai Indians on April 7, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10.
