Rajasthan Royals are poised to bolster their squad with Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka, who has opted out of PSL to chase IPL dreams with the Pink Army. The move addresses a critical gap left by Sam Curran’s groin injury, forcing the English star out of IPL 2026. Royals’ opener against CSK in Guwahati on March 30 now has an intriguing subplot.
Shanaka, a seam-bowling all-rounder with a reputation for match-winning cameos, was unsold in last year’s IPL auction but secured a PSL contract with Lahore Qalandars for PKR 75 lakh. His decision to prioritize IPL echoes Blessing Muzarabani’s path this season and Corbin Bosch’s controversial switch last year, which earned him a PSL ban after joining Mumbai Indians.
The 32-year-old has IPL experience, having played for Gujarat Titans in 2023 and rejoining as a replacement in 2025 without featuring. Sunday’s revelation from a franchise insider indicates momentum: ‘Discussions with Shanaka for RR are progressing well. Formalities are pending, but it’s heading towards confirmation.’
RR’s coaching staff brings instant chemistry. Kumar Sangakkara’s deep understanding of Shanaka’s skills, combined with Vikram Rathour’s recent collaboration during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup Super 8 run—highlighted by Shanaka’s twin half-centuries—positions this as a smart tactical ploy. Seen as Curran’s perfect substitute, Shanaka offers pace bowling bite and lower-order firepower.
This development underscores IPL’s dominance in T20 cricket, drawing top players away from rival leagues. As Royals gear up for a title push, Shanaka’s integration could redefine their middle-order dynamics and bowling attack. Will he deliver the Curran-like impact? The IPL 2026 narrative just got spicier.