Rajasthan Royals Face Major Setback as Sam Curran Sidelined for IPL 2026 With Groin Injury
The Rajasthan Royals will start their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign at a distinct disadvantage. English all-rounder Sam Curran is expected to miss the entire tournament due to a suspected groin injury. This development disrupts the franchise’s strategic plans following a high-profile offseason trade.
High-Profile Trade and Injury Impact
According to reports from ESPNcricinfo, Curran sustained the injury during recent training sessions. The 27-year-old was a central piece in a blockbuster offseason transaction. In that exchange, Curran and veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja transferred from the Chennai Super Kings to the Rajasthan Royals, while former Royals captain Sanju Samson moved to Chennai.
Curran is coming off a challenging 2025 season where he struggled to find his rhythm. The left-arm medium pacer managed just 114 runs and took a single wicket, contributing to a last-place finish for his former team. Despite recent domestic struggles, Curran remains an experienced international player. He recently participated in the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, where he helped the England national team reach the semi-finals before falling to eventual champions India.
Career Statistics
Since his league debut in 2019, Curran has established a documented track record across stints with the Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings. He was an active member of the Chennai squad that secured the 2021 championship.
- Matches Played: 60
- Total Runs: 997
- Total Wickets: 59
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/11
Rajasthan Royals 2026 Preparation and Schedule
Despite the injury news, the Rajasthan Royals have initiated their preseason training camp in Jaipur under the oversight of the Board of Control for Cricket in India guidelines. New acquisition Ravindra Jadeja is currently practicing with the team as the coaching staff evaluates updated lineup combinations.
With Samson’s departure, top-order batsman Riyan Parag assumes the captaincy. The newly restructured team faces a rigorous early schedule against highly competitive opponents.
Initial Match Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 30, 2026 | Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati |
| April 4, 2026 | Gujarat Titans | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| April 7, 2026 | Mumbai Indians | To Be Announced |
| April 10, 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | To Be Announced |
The Royals must now identify a viable replacement for Curran to balance their roster. The franchise will announce a roster update following further medical evaluations coordinated with standard International Cricket Council recovery protocols.