Dasun Shanaka vs Nicholas Pooran — IPL 2026 Fantasy Cricket Stats Comparison

Dasun Shanaka vs Nicholas Pooran is one of the most searched cricket comparisons, combining international career stats with IPL fantasy data. Both players bring different strengths to your XI, and the right choice can be the difference between topping the leaderboard or missing out.

Dasun Shanaka is a all-rounder for Rajasthan Royals, priced at 8.5 Cr this season. Over 6 matches in IPL 2026, he has scored a total of 155 fantasy points, averaging 26 pts per game with a best of 53 pts. With the bat he has accumulated 60 IPL runs at a strike rate of 162.2, and has claimed 1 IPL wickets with an economy of 10.00.

International career: Dasun Shanaka has scored 1,884 T20I runs in 123 matches at an average of 21.17, with 8 half-centuries internationally. He has also taken 42 T20I wickets at an average of 25.10 with an economy of 8.22. In ODIs, he has 1,153 runs across 62 matches (avg 22.6).

Nicholas Pooran is a wicket-keeper batter for Lucknow Super Giants, priced at 10 Cr. Across 14 matches in IPL 2026, he has earned 465 fantasy points, averaging 33 pts per game with a best of 134 pts. He has scored 234 IPL runs at a strike rate of 127.9.

International career: Nicholas Pooran has scored 2,177 T20I runs in 105 matches at an average of 25.31, with 12 half-centuries internationally. In ODIs, he has 1,829 runs across 57 matches (avg 38.9).

Batting edge: Nicholas Pooran leads with the bat this season, making them the better pick if the pitch is expected to be batting-friendly or if the match is being played on a flat track.

Bowling edge: Dasun Shanaka has been the more impactful bowler in IPL 2026, and becomes especially valuable in conditions that offer pace or spin movement.

Fantasy Impact: From a pure fantasy perspective, Nicholas Pooran is the stronger pick right now with an average of 33 pts per game and a best score of 134 pts. The value-for-money metric (points per credit) further reinforces this — always check this number before finalising your captain or vice-captain choice.

Captaincy Recommendation: Based on IPL 2026 season form, Nicholas Pooran is the safer captaincy option. However, if the opposition's bowling or batting lineup suits the other player, consider rotating your captain pick. Always check the playing XI, pitch report, and toss result before locking in your captain.

Stats are updated after every IPL 2026 match. Compare more players using our Player Comparison Tool or check the Fantasy Leaderboard to see how top managers are building their teams.