Sam Curran has shared his disappointment after being ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 due to injury. The England all-rounder was set to play for the Rajasthan Royals but will now miss the season, calling the situation “tough to watch.”
Injury Forces IPL 2026 Exit
Curran revealed that he had been dealing with a groin injury during the T20 World Cup 2026. Although he continued to play through the tournament, post-event scans showed significant damage, forcing him to step away and focus on recovery.
He explained that the injury had gradually worsened, eventually impacting his performance and fitness levels.
Difficult Decision to Prioritise Recovery
Speaking about the situation, Curran said the decision to withdraw from IPL 2026 was not easy. However, prioritising long-term fitness became necessary.
He is currently undergoing rehabilitation in England and working towards regaining full fitness before returning to competitive cricket.
Rajasthan Royals Name Replacement
Following Curran’s withdrawal, the Rajasthan Royals moved quickly to secure a replacement. Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been signed to fill the gap in the squad.
Shanaka’s inclusion is expected to add balance and experience to the team as they continue their IPL 2026 campaign.
‘It Will Be Tough to Watch’
Curran admitted that watching the IPL from the sidelines will be challenging, especially knowing he was looking forward to participating.
He acknowledged that injuries are part of professional sport but expressed disappointment at missing such a major tournament.
Impact on Upcoming Season
The injury could also affect Curran’s participation in domestic cricket, including commitments with Surrey. His return timeline will depend on recovery progress and medical assessments.
Meanwhile, England teammate Ben Duckett has also withdrawn from IPL 2026 to focus on international commitments, highlighting a broader trend of workload management among players.
Conclusion
While Sam Curran focuses on recovery, his absence is a setback for the Rajasthan Royals. However, with a capable replacement in Dasun Shanaka, the team will aim to maintain momentum in IPL 2026.
For Curran, the priority remains clear: return stronger and fully fit for upcoming international and franchise commitments.
