Rajasthan Royals Face Major Blow as Sam Curran Likely Out for IPL 2026

Setback for Rajasthan Royals Ahead of IPL 2026

Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], March 19: The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are grappling with a significant challenge as England all-rounder Sam Curran is expected to miss the entire IPL 2026 season due to a suspected groin injury.

As reported by a leading sports news outlet, Curran's absence could extend throughout the season. His last appearance was on March 5 during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where England faced defeat against India, the eventual champions, in the semi-finals.

The 27-year-old was poised to make his debut for the Royals after being traded from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) last November.

In this trade, Curran and fellow Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja were exchanged for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who recently earned the title of Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup.

Curran's potential absence leaves RR lacking an experienced all-rounder, although the squad still includes Jadeja and Donovan Ferreira, a powerful hitter. Ferreira also joined RR through a trade, moving from Delhi Capitals for his base price of Rs 1 crore.

The franchise is reportedly assessing options for Curran's replacement, although no official statement has been released yet.

Curran, who was set to represent RR for the first time, has had a diverse IPL career with various teams. He began with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2019, played for CSK in 2020 and 2021, returned to PBKS in 2023 as the league's most expensive player at Rs 18.5 crore, and played for them again in 2024. CSK reacquired him for Rs 2.4 crore in IPL 2025, where he scored 114 runs and took just one wicket in five matches.

With the IPL season approaching, RR must now reconsider their strategies without Curran, whose all-round skills were anticipated to enhance the team's middle order and bowling capabilities. The management is actively exploring various options to maintain a competitive squad for the upcoming season.