- Sangakkara questions Sam Curran’s IPL 2026 injury absence.
- Rajasthan Royals were informed Curran had a season-ending injury.
- Sangakkara backs stricter BCCI rules on injury withdrawals.
Sam Curran’s absence from IPL 2026 has been questioned by Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara after the England all-rounder returned to participate for Surrey in the Vitality Blast, even though the team was advised that he had sustained a season-ending injury.
Sangakkara expressed his disappointment at Curran’s comeback to action in England following the Rajasthan Royals’ elimination in Qualifier 2. The team had been advised that the all-rounder would miss the entire season due to injury.
“We were told that Sam Curran had a season-ending injury, but I think I saw him play two or three games for Surrey. That was disappointing because we would have loved to have had him here with us,” Sangakkara told reporters.
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Sangakkara Praises Royals’ Response to Curran’s Withdrawal
A groin injury forced Curran to withdraw before the season started for Rajasthan Royals after signing for Rs 2.40 crore. Later, the team replaced him with Dasun Shanaka, an all-rounder from Sri Lanka. In spite of losing a player of Curran’s calibre, Sangakkara praised the Royals’ response when they were informed of the injury.
“Having brought in Dasun Shanaka as a replacement after being informed early, I think the team and everyone involved should be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved,” he said.
The former Sri Lankan captain also supported the BCCI’s position on player injuries and withdrawals, stating that precise regulations were required to safeguard franchise interests.
“A proper, tight policy around that is always a requirement, and the BCCI has a strict policy on it. Injuries are part of the game, and if it’s a serious, season-ending injury, of course we understand,” Sangakkara said.
Also Read: Rishabh Pant quits Lucknow Super Giants captaincy after poor season
GT Script Historic Chase to Knock Out Rajasthan Royals
Gujarat Titans beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the second qualifying match. Gujarat Titans successfully pursued the mark after Rajasthan Royals scored 214 for 6 in 20 overs, including a 96-run effort by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a swift 38 not out by Donovan Ferreira. Together, captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan scored 104 and 58, respectively, in a 167-run partnership that won by three wickets.
This chase surpassed the previous record chase of 204 by Punjab Kings against the Mumbai Indians in last year’s Qualifier 2, making it the highest target in IPL playoffs history. Additionally, it exceeded the Gujarat Titans’ 204 run chase against the Delhi Capitals in 2025, making it their biggest IPL run chase.
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