The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have officially announced a key squad update ahead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League 2026, confirming a replacement for injured England all-rounder Sam Curran. In a strategic move, the franchise has signed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka for a fee of INR 2 Crore.
Shanaka’s inclusion comes as RR look to maintain balance and depth within their squad following Curran’s unfortunate injury setback. Known for his aggressive batting and handy medium-pace bowling, Shanaka brings valuable international experience and versatility to the Royals’ lineup.
The Sri Lankan skipper has been a consistent performer on the global stage, having represented Sri Lanka national cricket team across all formats. His international record includes 6 Test matches, 71 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 131 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Across these appearances, Shanaka has accumulated over 3,350 runs and claimed 86 wickets, underlining his credentials as a dependable all-rounder.
Shanaka is no stranger to the IPL environment. He previously featured for the Gujarat Titans, where he gained valuable experience in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues. His familiarity with the league’s intensity and conditions is expected to help him adapt quickly to the Royals’ setup.
For Rajasthan, this signing could prove crucial as they aim to strengthen their campaign and remain competitive throughout the tournament. Shanaka’s ability to contribute in both batting and bowling departments, along with his leadership qualities, adds an extra dimension to the squad.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Shanaka fits into the Royals’ playing XI and whether he can make an immediate impact in one of cricket’s biggest stages.
