Dasun Shanaka Joins Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026 After Exiting PSL

Shanaka Signs with Rajasthan Royals

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has officially joined the Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, which kicks off on March 28. He steps in as a replacement for England's Sam Curran, who has been sidelined due to a groin injury.

Recent Performance and Team Selection

Shanaka recently captained Sri Lanka during the T20 World Cup 2026, where the team was eliminated in the Super 8 stage despite a strong showing in the group matches. With the IPL season approaching, the Rajasthan Royals were keen to find a suitable replacement for Curran.

Shanaka's Departure from PSL

Dasun Shanaka made the decision to leave the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he had signed with Lahore Qalandars for PKR 75 lakh (approximately INR 22.5 lakh) per season. He was selected in the auction from a lower-tier category, indicating a modest valuation compared to other overseas players.

As the Lahore Qalandars prepared to defend their title against Hyderabad Kingsmen on March 26, Shanaka opted to withdraw from the PSL to join the IPL instead. The Rajasthan Royals confirmed his signing on Monday.

Financial Gains from IPL Move

Shanaka's transition to the Rajasthan Royals is not only strategic but also financially beneficial. He has secured a contract worth INR 2 crore, significantly higher than his PSL earnings. This move represents an increase of nearly 790% in his income.

Over his IPL career, Shanaka is projected to earn INR 3.25 crore, having previously earned INR 50 lakh and INR 75 lakh as replacements in earlier seasons. In contrast, his earnings from two PSL seasons totalled just INR 84 lakh.

Performance in T20 World Cup 2026

During the T20 World Cup 2026, Dasun Shanaka scored 165 runs, including two half-centuries, with an average of 33.00 and a strike rate of 187.50 across seven matches. However, he managed to take only three wickets at an average of 34 and an economy rate of 9.