Sri Lanka’s Twenty20 captain Dasun Shanaka was confirmed on Monday to replace injured England all-rounder Sam Curran in the Rajasthan Royals camp for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). Shanaka joins the team for Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million).
“Dasun Shanaka will join RR for Rs 2 crore as a replacement for Curran. Shanaka has represented Sri Lanka in 6 Tests, 71 ODIs and 131 T20Is and has over 3350 international runs and 86 wickets in international cricket against his name,” an IPL release said.
Dasun Shanaka, 34, played three IPL games for the Gujarat Titans in 2023.
Dasun Shanaka, 34, played three IPL games for the Gujarat Titans in 2023.
“We are disappointed to lose a player of Sam’s calibre so close to the start of the season,” RR head coach and team director Kumar Sangakkara said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
“Dasun Shanaka brings vast experience and composure to the Royals’ lower-middle order, having been a consistent performer for Sri Lanka in T20 Internationals,” the franchise said.
After Blessing Muzarabani of Zimbabwe joined the Kolkata Knight Riders, Shanaka is now the second international cricketer to leave the PSL to play in the IPL.
Shanaka was signed by the PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars after going unsold during the IPL auction.
On March 30, the Rajasthan Royals will play their first IPL 2026 match in Guwahati against the Chennai Super Kings.
