‘Disappointing’ – Sangakkara on Sam Curran turning out for Surrey with IPL still – Kumar Sangakkara Criticizes Sam Curran Over Vitality Blast Return Amid IPL Absence
The Controversy Surrounding Sam Curran’s IPL Absence
The conclusion of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign has brought to light a significant point of contention for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) camp. Head coach Kumar Sangakkara has publicly expressed his disappointment regarding all-rounder Sam Curran’s absence from the tournament, specifically following reports that the English cricketer had returned to competitive action for Surrey in the Vitality Blast.
A Discrepancy in Injury Status
The sequence of events began when Sam Curran withdrew from the IPL 2026 season back in March, citing a recurring groin injury. At the time of his withdrawal, the news was framed around a persistent issue that had allegedly been affecting him since the T20 World Cup. Curran had described the injury as something he had been battling, noting that recent scans revealed ‘reasonable damage’ which necessitated a tough decision to step away from the league.
However, the narrative shifted significantly when Curran made his return to the pitch for Surrey in the Vitality Blast on May 22. Seeing the player actively participating in matches shortly after the IPL concluded left the Rajasthan Royals management frustrated. Sangakkara, speaking at a post-match press conference following RR’s exit in Qualifier 2, did not mince his words regarding the situation.
Sangakkara’s Perspective on Commitment
For Sangakkara, the frustration is rooted in the expectation of transparency and commitment. ‘We were told that Sam Curran had a season-ending injury, but I think I saw him playing for Surrey for two games or three games now. So that was disappointing,’ Sangakkara stated. He emphasized that the team would have valued Curran’s presence, regardless of his playing status, highlighting the importance of the team environment.
To illustrate his point, the RR coach drew a comparison to other squad members who, despite limited game time, remained dedicated to the team’s cause. Players such as Adam Milne, Shimron Hetmyer, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Kwena Maphaka were noted for having ‘done the hard yards,’ practicing, and supporting the team throughout the journey, even when not playing. For Sangakkara, the willingness to be present is a testament to professional duty.
The Ripple Effect on Team Strategy
The sudden withdrawal of Curran, who had been acquired by RR as part of a high-profile trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson, forced the franchise to scramble for a replacement. The team brought in Dasun Shanaka on March 23 to fill the void. This decision triggered its own series of complications, as Shanaka was required to withdraw from his contract with Lahore Qalandars in the PSL 2026, subsequently resulting in a one-year ban for the player from that tournament.
The Future of BCCI Policy
The incident has reignited discussions regarding the enforcement of contractual obligations for overseas players. With the BCCI having announced a two-year ban in 2024 for players who withdraw after being picked at auctions, the appetite for strict regulation is growing. Sangakkara firmly supports this stance, advocating for a rigid framework to protect the integrity of the league.
‘Yeah, I think a proper tight policy around that is always a requirement. The BCCI has a strict policy on that,’ Sangakkara affirmed. He added, ‘Injuries, every person goes through injuries, and if it’s a serious injury, a season-ending injury, of course we understand.’ However, the overarching message from the Rajasthan Royals camp is clear: when a player commits to a franchise, there should be a genuine effort to uphold that commitment, and policies should be enforced to ensure that all IPL teams benefit from a fair and reliable system.
As the dust settles on the 2026 IPL season, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between international player availability, injury management, and the rigorous demands of franchise cricket.
