3 reasons why CSK must target Sam Curran in IPL 2025 Auction
With the retention process now behind them, all Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are focusing on finalizing preparations for the 2025 mega auction, set to take place on November 24-25 at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah.
All eyes will be on one of the most successful IPL franchises, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who have won five titles. The management will be focused on building a core capable of securing their sixth championship.
They have retained five players: Ruturaj Gaikwad (₹18 crore), Ravindra Jadeja (₹18 crore), Matheesha Pathirana (₹13 crore), Shivam Dube (₹12 crore), and MS Dhoni (₹4 crore).
CSK missed out on a playoff spot in the 2024 season, with players struggling to finish games. As every team looks to strengthen with an all-rounder who can turn the game on its head, several Indian and international players, including England's Sam Curran, will go under the hammer this year.
The 26-year-old has proven his value over the last few years. On that note, we explore why CSK should target Sam Curran in the IPL 2025 Auction.
#1 Sam Curran has brilliant all-round capabilities and has performed well in high-pressure situations
At 26, Sam Curran is a dynamic all-rounder with a unique skill set that could greatly enhance CSK's already well-balanced squad. He adds depth to the batting and bowling departments, providing the team with valuable flexibility in match situations.
Curran is capable of bowling in different phases of the game, providing control and the ability to break partnerships by taking key wickets. With the bat, he is versatile and able to perform in various positions from the top order to the lower middle order.
In 56 T20Is for England, he has scored 332 runs and taken 54 wickets. Curran has consistently proven his ability to perform at the highest level, as demonstrated by his outstanding performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where England clinched the title. Curran was named Player of the Tournament as he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 13 wickets.
In the IPL, Curran has featured in 59 matches, scoring 883 runs (including five fifties) and taking 58 wickets, even registering a hat-trick, showcasing his all-round prowess with both bat and ball.
#2 A versatile bowler: Capable of thriving with both the new and the old ball
One of Sam Curran’s biggest strengths is his ability to deliver results with both the new and old ball. His knack for varying his pace and generating swing has made him a tricky bowler for opposition batters.
While Curran has faced some challenges recently, his potential is clear. His performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup was underwhelming, taking only three wickets in five matches and conceding runs at an economy rate of 9.58.
He has remained wicketless in the first three games of the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies. However, in the past, he has demonstrated the skills and potential to be one of the greats of T20 cricket.
As a left-arm bowler, Curran brings a unique angle that can be tough for right-handed batters to handle. His deliveries in the powerplay can swing away from the right-handers or come in sharply, making it difficult for the top order to settle. His control over swing and ability to mix up his pace makes him a dangerous weapon during the first six overs.
In the latter stages of a match, when the focus shifts from containment to wicket-taking, Curran excels. His ability to bowl slower balls, yorkers, and cutters is invaluable in restricting the batters and keeping the pressure on. He claimed nine wickets in the death overs during the 2022 T20 World Cup, playing a crucial role in England's successful campaign
#3 Has performed well for the franchise in the past
If CSK manages to bring Sam Curran back, it wouldn’t be the first time. He was an integral part of the franchise in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. In 2020, he picked up 13 wickets and scored 186 runs, including one fifty.
Curran was also part of the team that won the IPL title in 2021, where he took nine wickets. Having already been familiar with the CSK setup, his return could help him regain his form.
CSK have always been fortunate to have match-winning all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja or Dwayne Bravo. However, with Bravo now retired, Curran could fill that gap, contributing significantly with both bat and ball.
CSK's management has a history of showing patience with players, allowing them to grow into key roles. Given Curran’s age and potential, he fits perfectly into their long-term vision. His addition would strengthen the squad for the upcoming season and solidify their future plans in the IPL.