RR set to rope in Dasun Shanaka as Sam Curran’s replacement for IPL 2026

Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka is set to skip playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and join the Rajasthan Royals (RR) setup to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The star all-rounder is in line to replace Sam Curran, who was traded from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) late last year. It is suspected that the England all-rounder has sustained a groin injury, which has ruled him out of IPL 2026.

Shanaka had listed his name for the IPL 2026 mini auction but didn’t find takers. He subsequently enrolled for the PSL auction, where Lahore Qalandars bought him for PKR 75 lakh. However, after his impressive performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, the 34-year-old is set to play for the inaugural champions of the IPL.

Shanaka becomes the second player to skip PSL and join an IPL team this year. Recently, Blessing Muzarabani signed for KKR as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, forgoing his contract with Islamabad United.

Last year, it was South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch, who first made the move from the PSL to the IPL. After playing for Peshawar Zalmi, he moved to the Mumbai Indians.

The PSL reacted vigorously, banning him for a year. However, its policy of scheduling the league alongside the IPL – ostensibly to ensure the availability of overseas players – hasn’t done much good, with foreign players choosing to withdraw from the PSL when an IPL call comes their way.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media in Lahore on Sunday, March 22, regarding changes to the PSL operations and venues and suggested that the board may take legal action against cricketers who have breached their PSL contracts.

Coming back to Shanaka, the Negombo-born led Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026. While the Lankan Lions failed to reach the semifinal, Shanaka impressed with his performances with the bat. In six innings, he scored 165 runs at a strike rate of 187.50. He also picked up a few crucial wickets during the marquee event.

The Royals start their IPL 2026 campaign on Monday, March 30, as they take on CSK at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.