Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara has voiced his disappointment regarding England all-rounder Sam Curran’s absence from the IPL 2026 season. This concern arose after the team’s exit in Qualifier 2 against the Gujarat Titans. Sangakkara highlighted that the season was plagued by various setbacks, with Curran’s withdrawal being a significant issue.
Sangakkara, speaking after the playoff loss, raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Curran’s unavailability. Despite being informed of a season-ending injury, Curran was seen playing for Surrey in domestic cricket, which puzzled the Royals’ camp. The franchise had acquired Curran through a trade with the Chennai Super Kings before the season began.
The coach emphasized the importance of enforcing stricter regulations on player withdrawals from the league. Sangakkara stressed the necessity of a robust policy in place to ensure that contractual commitments are honored. He acknowledged that while injuries are a part of the game, a clear and stringent approach is crucial.
Curran, who had initially cited an injury for his unavailability, later participated in matches for Surrey in the T20 Blast. Although he had not bowled since the T20 World Cup, Curran made notable contributions with the bat during his appearances. Sangakkara contrasted Curran’s situation with the dedication shown by other overseas players in the Rajasthan squad.
Sangakkara praised the commitment of players like Adam Milne, Hetmyer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Kwenna Maphaka, who supported the team despite limited playing opportunities. He highlighted the importance of players honoring their commitments and the significance of upholding contractual obligations in the IPL. Sangakkara emphasized the need for all sides to adhere to strict policies to ensure the league’s integrity and professionalism.
