The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have suffered a major setback just ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Star England all-rounder Sam Curran is expected to miss the entire tournament due to a suspected groin injury. The franchise has reportedly begun the search for a suitable replacement.
The Trade That Shook the League
Curran’s absence is particularly stinging given the high-profile nature of his arrival at the Jaipur-based franchise. Last year, he was part of a massive trade deal that saw him and Ravindra Jadeja move from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Rajasthan in exchange for India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, Sanju Samson.
International Play: He recently represented England in the T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated by India in the semifinals. Previous IPL Performance: During the 2025 season with CSK, Curran scored 114 runs and took one wicket across five matches.
Market Value: Historically one of the league’s most valued players, he commanded a record price of Rs 18.5 crore in the 2023 auction.
Captaincy and Squad Depth
The news adds further pressure to the Royals’ leadership. Many, including former India pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji, expressed surprise when RR overlooked veterans like Jadeja or Curran for the captaincy, choosing instead to appoint Riyan Parag as the skipper.
With Curran sidelined, the Royals will look to lean more heavily on Ravindra Jadeja and South African big-hitter Donovan Ferreira to provide the necessary all-round balance.
More Stories
Rashid Khan Hints at Test Retirement: ‘Playing Longer Formats is Difficult for Me
“Ayush Shetty Shines as Sindhu, Prannoy Crash Out of Badminton Asia Championships”
Injured Captain Shubman Gill Unlikely to Play; Delhi Capitals Face Off Against Gujarat Titans