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IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals Likely To Sign Shanaka As Replacement For Injured Curran

Indian Premier League: Sri Lankas seam-bowling all-rounder Dasun Shanaka is likely to join Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season as a replacement for injured Sam Curran, who has been ruled out due to a groin injury. RR, the inaugural IPL champions, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against five-time winners Chennai Super Kings at ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30. The conversations are ongoing for Shanaka to join RR for the upcoming IPL season. Barring a few formalities which are yet to be completed, this seems to be a done deal and its pretty much going in that direction, a franchise official told IANS on Sunday. Shanaka went unsold at last years IPL auction in Abu Dhabi, and was later picked up by Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for PKR 75 lakh. Once confirmed, Shanaka will become the second player after Zimbabwes Blessing Muzarabani to leave PSL and join IPL this year. South Africa's seam-bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch made a similar switch to IPL last year, leaving Peshawar Zalmi to sign with Mumbai Indians, prompting the PSL to impose a one-year ban on him. RR, the inaugural IPL champions, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against five-time winners Chennai Super Kings at ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30. The conversations are ongoing for Shanaka to join RR for the upcoming IPL season. Barring a few formalities which are yet to be completed, this seems to be a done deal and its pretty much going in that direction, a franchise official told IANS on Sunday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Shanaka previously played in IPL 2023 for Gujarat Titans as a replacement for the injured New Zealand batter Kane Williamson, where he made 26 runs in three games. He was signed again by Gujarat Titans in 2025 as a mid-season replacement player for injured New Zealand batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips, but didnt get a game to play. Article Source: IANS