Out of PSL again, Shanaka to replace Sam Curran for RR in IPL 2026

sri lanka captain darsang shanaka Coming soon rajasthan royals (RR) to replace injured England all-rounder for the upcoming IPL 2026 season Sam Curran.RR were forced to make late changes to their line-up after Sam Curran ruled out with a groin injury. The team moved quickly to secure Shanaka, and sources said the deal is close to completion, but small documents related to Shanaka’s commitment have yet to be completed. pakistan super league (PSL).

Another PSL to IPL switch

Shanaka’s transfer marks yet another instance of players switching from PSL to IPL. Recently, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani left the PSL and joined Kolkata Knight Riders to replace Mustafizur Rahman. This growing trend highlights the IPL’s continued dominance as the most profitable and competitive T20 league in world cricket. Inaugural IPL champions RR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings on March 30 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. “Talks are ongoing for Shanaka to join RR for the upcoming IPL season. Apart from some pending formalities, it appears to be complete and is almost moving in that direction,” a team official told IANS on Sunday.

Shanaka’s latest status

Under Shanaka’s leadership, co-host Sri Lanka were eliminated at the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup. Shanaka scored 165 runs against Pakistan, including 76 not out off 31 balls, while also taking three wickets in the T20 World Cup. Shanaka was acquired by PSL side Lahore Qalandars after he went unsold in the IPL mini-auction in December last year. Shanaka had previously represented the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 as a replacement for the injured New Zealand batsman Kane Williamsonhe scored 26 points in three games. He was signed again by the Gujarat Titans in 2025 as a mid-season replacement for the injured New Zealand batting all-rounder Glenn Phillipsbut no games were played. Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara is the head coach of the Royals while former India batting coach Vikram Rathour is the assistant coach of the team. Ratul was Sri Lanka’s batting advisory coach during the T20 World Cup.