Sam Curran’s Dramatic Return to Chennai Super Kings: From IPL’s Most Expensive Player to Strategic Bargain

A Remarkable Return to Chennai

Sam Curran has made a notable return to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the TATA IPL 2025, with the franchise successfully acquiring him for ₹2.4 crore. This move marks a significant shift in his IPL journey, particularly considering his recent history.

From Record-Breaking to Strategic Acquisition

The English all-rounder previously made headlines when Punjab Kings made him the most expensive buy at an IPL auction, securing his services for INR 18.50 crore (approximately £1.85 million). However, he faced a significant pay cut when CSK brought him back for IPL 2025.

Career Achievements and Current Form

Curran has established himself as an X-factor cricketer of global repute. His remarkable achievement as the player of the T20 World Cup in 2022, where he took 13 wickets at an average of 11.38 with an impressive economy rate of 6.52, showcased his ability as a canny death bowler in England’s victorious campaign.

Recent Performance and Future Prospects

The left-arm seamer’s versatility makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket, particularly his ability to bowl at any stage of the game combined with his attacking batting skills. In his recent ODI career, Curran has demonstrated his capabilities across 35 matches, accumulating 597 runs at an average of 25, with his most recent ODI performance coming in November 2024 at Kensington Oval, where he contributed 40 runs off 52 balls.

In his IPL career to date, Curran has featured in 64 matches, scoring 997 runs at an average of 24.93. His IPL record includes 6 half-centuries, with his highest score being 88 runs, alongside 85 fours and 41 sixes. With these statistics and his proven track record, his return to CSK could prove to be one of the strategic acquisitions of the season.