Rajasthan Royals coach doubts Sam Curran injury

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara has expressed disappointment over the absence of all-rounder Sam Curran from the 2026 Indian Premier League season, questioning the nature of the player's injury withdrawal after seeing him return to action in England. Sangakkara's comments came following his team's elimination from the tournament after a seven-wicket defeat to the Gujarat Titans in the second qualifier in New Chandigarh.

Curran, who joined the Royals in a notable pre-auction trade with the Chennai Super Kings, was ruled out of the entire IPL season before it began due to a groin injury. The Royals subsequently signed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as his replacement. Sangakkara stated that the franchise was informed the injury was season-ending, but he has since seen Curran play two or three matches as a specialist batter for Surrey in England's T20 Blast competition.

"We were told that Sam Curran had a season-ending injury, but I think I saw him playing for Surrey for two or three games now. So that was disappointing. We'd have loved to have had him here playing for us," Sangakkara said in a post-match press conference.

The coach emphasized the need for strict...