Sam Curran is set to miss the entire IPL 2026 season due to a suspected groin injury. The England all-rounder was supposed to make his debut for Rajasthan Royals after joining through a blockbuster trade deal with Chennai Super Kings last November.
Instead, RR now head into the season without one of their most important overseas picks. According to ESPNcricinfo, the franchise is already exploring replacement options.
How Did Sam Curran Get Injured?
The 27-year-old last played competitive cricket on March 5 during the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, where England lost to eventual champions India. Since then, a groin issue has kept him sidelined.
Notably, Curran hasn’t been in the best form heading into this IPL. During IPL 2025 with CSK, he managed just 114 runs and one wicket in five matches. Still, Rajasthan Royals were banking on his all-round ability for 2026. That plan now falls apart entirely.
How Did Curran End Up at Rajasthan Royals?
This part involves one of the biggest trade deals in recent IPL history.
Last November, CSK traded Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson. For context, Samson went on to become the Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup 2026, so the deal already looked heavily tilted in Chennai’s favour. Now, with Curran ruled out before a single ball, RR’s return from that trade looks even thinner.
However, the Royals still have Jadeja from the same deal. So it’s not a total loss, but it stings.
What Does This Mean for Rajasthan Royals’ Squad?
Curran’s absence creates two specific problems for RR.
First, they lose a reliable death-overs bowler. During the T20 World Cup 2026, Curran picked up six wickets in eight matches and handled the tough final overs for England. That skill set is hard to replace.
Second, the middle-order batting takes a hit. Curran offered genuine flexibility at No. 5 or No. 6, capable of finishing innings with power.
As of now, RR haven’t confirmed a replacement. Their remaining all-round options include Ravindra Jadeja and Donovan Ferreira, the South African power-hitter acquired via trade from Delhi Capitals at his base price of ₹1 crore. Ferreira bowls quickish offspin, so he offers some balance, but he’s nowhere close to Curran’s experience.
Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Campaign
Riyan Parag captains Rajasthan Royals this season under a revamped coaching setup led by Kumar Sangakkara as Director of Cricket and Head Coach. Here’s how their first phase looks:
- March 30 vs CSK in Guwahati
- April 4 vs GT in Ahmedabad
- April 7 vs MI in Guwahati
- April 10 vs RCB in Guwahati
Opening against CSK, the very team that traded Curran to them, adds an extra layer of irony. Without Curran in the XI, the Royals will need Jadeja, Ferreira, and their domestic talent to fill the gap quickly. Otherwise, the early part of the season could get rough for Parag’s young side.
