Sri Lankan captain joins Rajasthan Royals to boost middle order
Major shifts are happening in the cricketing world as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season approaches. Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka is reportedly moving from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to join the Rajasthan Royals. According to recent reports, Shanaka will fill the vacancy left by all-rounder Sam Curran. While he was originally under contract with the Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan, the allure of the IPL has led to this significant transition.
Rajasthan Royals, now under the leadership of captain Riyan Parag, are finalising the details to bring Shanaka on board. This move makes him the second player this season to exit the PSL in favor of an IPL contract, following Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani who recently joined KKR. The addition of an experienced international captain like Shanaka is expected to provide much-needed balance to the Royals' lineup as they prepare for a challenging season ahead.
Fans can look forward to an exciting start for the Rajasthan franchise. Their journey begins in Guwahati on March 30, where they will face off against the Chennai Super Kings. Following this high-voltage opener, the team travels to Ahmedabad to play the Gujarat Titans on April 4. Their early schedule remains intense, with a match against the Mumbai Indians on April 7, followed by a clash with the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on April 10.
Recent player movements have sparked friction between the Indian and Pakistani cricket authorities. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed frustration over players withdrawing from the PSL at the last minute to participate in the IPL. Reports suggest that legal actions are being considered against players who break their PSL commitments. Despite these administrative tensions, the focus remains on the field as teams rush to finalize their rosters before the March 28 tournament kickoff.
