Rajasthan Royals Coach Kumar Sangakkara Critiques Sam Curran's IPL Absence
Sangakkara Expresses Disappointment Over Curran's Withdrawal
Kumar Sangakkara, the head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR), voiced his dissatisfaction regarding the absence of English all-rounder Sam Curran from IPL 2026. This statement came after RR's defeat to Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 2 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on May 29.
Sam Curran joined RR in November 2025 through a significant trade that involved Sanju Samson moving to Chennai Super Kings. However, he opted out of the IPL 2026 season before it commenced, citing a groin injury that would end his season. Consequently, RR brought in Dasun Shanaka as his replacement for the remainder of the tournament.
While Curran's absence did not severely affect RR's performance, as they reached the Qualifier 2 stage, his unavailability raised questions among the management.
Sangakkara Questions Curran's Commitment
During the post-match press conference following the defeat to GT, Sangakkara was asked about Curran's situation. He expressed concern over the inconsistency between the reported injury and Curran's recent appearances.
"We were informed that Sam Curran had a season-ending injury," Sangakkara remarked. "However, I noticed him playing for Surrey in two or three matches recently," he added.
Sangakkara continued, "This was disappointing. We would have loved to have him here playing for us. Fortunately, we had Dasun Shanaka as a replacement early on."
"We were told that Sam Curran had a season-ending injury, but I saw him play 2-3 games for Surrey. That was disappointing because we would have loved to have had him here with us."
Fans React to Curran's IPL Absence
Curran's recent participation in the T20 Blast for Surrey, where he scored 32, 71*, and 38 against Lancashire, Middlesex, and Hampshire respectively, has intensified frustration among RR supporters.
His absence from the IPL season due to injury, coupled with his return to domestic cricket, has led to significant backlash on social media platforms. Fans have criticized Curran for missing the IPL while playing for Surrey, questioning his dedication to RR and urging the BCCI to implement stricter regulations for overseas players who withdraw from the tournament.
Discontented fans have drawn comparisons with other English players like Harry Brook and Ben Duckett, suggesting a pattern of English cricketers not prioritizing their IPL commitments.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
Sangakkara's disappointment has resonated with fans, leading to calls for the BCCI to take action against players who withdraw from the IPL. Many supporters have suggested banning such players for a few years to ensure commitment to the league.
Critics argue that the IPL has grown significantly and can thrive without foreign players who do not honor their contracts. Some fans have even suggested that the BCCI should permanently ban players who fail to fulfill their commitments.
In the past, Harry Brook faced a two-year ban from the IPL after withdrawing from the 2024 season, while Ben Duckett was criticized for prioritizing red-ball cricket over the IPL.
Curran's IPL Journey
Sam Curran has previously played for Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings, establishing himself as a key overseas all-rounder before his notable trade to Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2026 season.