The Rajasthan Royals faced an early setback on March 23, 2026, when it was confirmed that England’s premier all-rounder, Sam Curran, would miss the entire season due to a groin injury. However, the franchise moved with surgical precision to name Dasun Shanaka as the official Sam Curran replacement Dasun Shanaka for the upcoming season. Shanaka, who was captaining Sri Lanka in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, joins the Royals at a base price of ₹2 Crore.
The time for talking is over. Performance and discipline are non-negotiable. If the team cannot meet basic semi-final objectives despite our full financial support, there must be accountability.” — PCB Source, relaying Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s stance on the penalty.
Shanaka vs. Curran : Face-off
While Curran is a left-arm seam specialist with a knack for early wickets, Shanaka brings the raw power of a seasoned subcontinental finisher. Here is how they stack up in the shortest format:
Player Profile: Sam Curran vs Dasun Shanaka
| Category / Player | Matches | Runs | Strike Rate | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL Career Statistics | ||||
| Sam Curran | 64 | 997 | 136.39 | 59 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 3 | 26 | 100.00 | 0 |
| T20 International (T20I) Records | ||||
| Sam Curran | 75 | 696 | 127.94 | 66 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 131 | 1,914 | 128.54 | 46 |
Playing Style Analysis: Seam vs. Power
Sam Curran: A tactical “Swiss Army Knife,” Curran’s value lies in his left-arm angle and ability to swing the new ball. Offensively, he is a “floater” who can neutralize spin in the middle overs or finish with a flurry of boundaries.
Dasun Shanaka: Shanaka is a traditional “Power Finisher”. Unlike Curran, he is a right-arm medium-pacer who often relies on cutters and variations. His biggest asset for the Royals is his composure under pressure, having led Sri Lanka in over 130 T20Is.
Shanaka's Switch From PSL to IPL: From Lahore to Jaipur
Dasun Shanaka had originally gone unsold in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Consequently, he registered for the PSL 2026 draft and was picked up by the Lahore Qalandars for PKR 75 Lakhs (approximately ₹22.5 Lakhs).
However, as soon as the Rajasthan Royals offered him the ₹2 Crore replacement contract for Sam Curran, Shanaka officially withdrew from his PSL stint. This move provided him with a staggering 790% financial boost compared to his Pakistan contract.
Dasun Shanaka - Financial Valuation: The PSL to IPL Leap
| League Entity | Draft / Slot Status | Contract Value | INR Valuation | Designated Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSL (Lahore Qalandars) | Gold/Silver Pick | PKR 75 Lakh | ~₹22.5 Lakh | All-Rounder |
| 📈 788.89% Increase in Total Financial Valuation | ||||
| IPL (Rajasthan Royals) | Injury Replacement | ₹2 Crore | ₹200 Lakh | Marquee Finisher |
The PSL "Crisis" - Another Exit from PSL 2026
Shanaka is not the only player to have walked away from the PSL for an IPL opportunity this month. This has led to a heated debate regarding player loyalty and league dominance. Recently Blessing Muzarabani, the Zimbabwe pacer also terminated his contract with Islamabad United to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.
PCB's Reaction to Shanaka's Exit from PSL 2026
Following Shanaka’s exit, the Qalandars were forced to move quickly, signing Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams as his replacement.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hinted at potential legal action or a one-year ban for players who breach their PSL contracts to join the IPL mid-season.
How Does Sam Curran's Groin Injury Impact Rajasthan Royals' Playing XI?
The loss of Curran is primarily a loss of bowling flexibility. Curran’s ability to bowl at any stage allowed Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja more freedom in their roles. With Shanaka in the side, the Royals might need to lean more heavily on Jadeja and Bishnoi for defensive overs, while Shanaka acts as the “Insurance Policy” in the lower-middle order. His recent form—165 runs at a strike rate of 187.50 in the 2026 T20 World Cup—suggests that RR’s finishing power might actually see an upgrade.
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