IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals on Monday confirmed the inclusion of Sri Lanka T20I skipper Dasun Shanaka in the team as a replacement for the injured England all-rounder Sam Curran for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Shanaka, who went unsold in the IPL mini-auction, was set to play for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. However, Rajasthan Royals' offer prompted a switch, and he's expected to join the team soon, pending PSL clearance.
Shanaka will join the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 2 crore.
"Dasun Shanaka will join RR for INR 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.
Shanaka had a fleeting IPL stint with the Gujarat Titans in 2023, featuring in just three matches.
"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.
ALSO READ: Pakistan-Based Armed Group Warns Foreign Players To Skip PSL, Says ‘PAK Not Safe For Sports’
Shanaka is the second international player, after Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani, to abandon the PSL for the IPL.
Rajasthan Royals will start their IPL 2026 campaign with a home match in Guwahati against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 30.