Sam Curran and Dasun Shanaka (Agency Image)

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara has expressed disappointment over the absence of Sam Curran from the IPL 2026 season, calling it a significant setback for the franchise. The England all-rounder has been ruled out due to a groin injury just days before the tournament begins.In response, the Royals have moved swiftly to bring in Dasun Shanaka as Curran’s replacement, with the Sri Lankan T20I captain confirmed in an official announcement on Monday.Curran had arrived at Rajasthan Royals as part of a blockbuster pre-auction trade involving Chennai Super Kings. The deal saw CSK secure Sanju Samson, while the Royals acquired Curran alongside Ravindra Jadeja. However, his injury has now forced an early exit before he could make an impact this season.“We are disappointed to lose a player of Sam’s calibre so close to the start of the season,” said Sangakkara, who serves as Director of Cricket and Head Coach at Rajasthan Royals.“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.Shanaka arrives with considerable T20 experience and is expected to slot into the lower middle order, offering both finishing ability and all-round depth. He previously featured in the IPL during the 2023 season for Gujarat Titans, where he played three matches.Shanaka’s move to RR makes him the second international player after Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani to leave the Pakistan Super League for a stint in the Indian Premier League.Rajasthan Royals will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Following that clash, they are scheduled to face Gujarat Titans on April 4, Mumbai Indians on April 7, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10.

File pic: Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag (R) with Sanju Samson. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has addressed the biggest talking point ahead of IPL 2026 — the absence of long-time leader and star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson — with a striking comparison that underlines the scale of the void left behind.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Samson, the face of the franchise for over a decade, represented the Royals across 11 seasons before being traded to Chennai Super Kings, where he will now feature in yellow. In exchange, Rajasthan brought in England all-rounder Sam Curran and veteran Ravindra Jadeja, signalling a shift in team composition.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Parag made it clear that replacing Samson is no straightforward task. “Sanju’s game is unique; he cannot be compared to anyone else. It is like asking, ‘Who is Virat Kohli’s replacement?’ — it simply isn’t possible,” he said. “However, every player plays to win, and everyone has different capabilities.”Parag also reflected on the team’s shortcomings last season, particularly in crunch moments. “We were losing matches in the final stages. Had we played with more freedom — or managed to hit a boundary at a crucial moment, or prevented the opposition from doing so — we would have progressed further. This time, we are addressing and rectifying those mistakes,” he added.New-look Royals bank on balance, all-round strengthThe RR skipper emphasised that the team has worked on building a balanced squad. “We have a good combination of spin and pace bowlers. In batting too, there is a proper mix of right- and left-handers. We have high expectations from Ravindra Jadeja; he is a magnificent all-rounder,” Parag said.On the question of venues and home advantage, Parag dismissed any added pressure. “Regardless of the venue, there’s always a mixed crowd. We tune out the noise and focus on our game. Our goal is to perform well, wherever we play.”Head coach Kumar Sangakkara echoed confidence in the squad’s depth and future prospects, especially young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. “He is very young but showing magnificent form. He is a vital part of the team, and we have a specific strategy for him,” Sangakkara said.