3 players…who are ready to replace Sam Curran, can solve the problem of Rajasthan Royals

New Delhi. Just before the start of the Indian Premier League 2026, Rajasthan Royals have suffered a big setback. England's star all-rounder Sam Curran is not sure to play the entire tournament in the upcoming IPL due to a groin injury. This blow is even bigger for Rajasthan because Curran was a part of the historic trade deal in which Rajasthan included Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in its team in exchange for Sanju Samson.

Sam Curran was expected to solve the Royals' death overs bowling problem, but now the team management is looking for a new face as his replacement. There are three players who are ready to replace Sam Curran. Rajasthan can add 28-year-old South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. Mulder is very flexible in batting and can provide strength in the middle order. He has scored 2334 runs in 142 T20 matches at a strike rate of 130.68 and has also taken 78 wickets. Mulder is adept at bowling economical as well as playing big shots in the middle overs. Last year he made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad, although he did not get many chances.

If Rajasthan Royals are looking for a bowler who can shock the opposition team with the new ball, then Gus Atkinson fits the bill perfectly. Atkinson can support Sandeep Sharma with the new ball, which will give Rajasthan the advantage that they will be able to save their main bowler Joffra Archer for the death overs. Atkinson has the ability to bat hard down the order, although consistency may be a bit of a concern in his game. He has 72 wickets in his name in 58 T20 matches.

Former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka remained unsold in the auction, but his excellent performance in the T20 World Cup has caught everyone's attention. In the recently concluded T20 World Cup, Shanaka scored 165 runs in 7 matches at a stormy strike rate of 187.50. In view of Sam Curran's injury, Shanaka can play the role of an excellent 'finisher' at number 7. He is also capable of taking wickets with medium pace bowling when needed. His experience of 34 years can be useful to the team in pressure situations.