RR vs PBKS: “Feel like the team is close to something” - Sam Curran’s massive claim amid poor IPL 2024
Published - 16 May 2024, 07:00 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:11 AM
Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Sam Curran opened up about the win his team bagged in the 65th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 over Rajasthan Royals (RR). He credited the bowlers for the win and also talked about the positives of the season.
Punjab Kings are making sure they finish off the season on high. They defeated Rajasthan Royals by 5 wickets in Guwahati to bat their 5th win of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. They were sensational with the bat and ball as they spoiled the part for Sanju Samson-led side.
Asked to field first, Punjab Kings restricted Rajasthan Royals to just 144 runs, which speaks a lot about their bowling performance. They didn’t let the opposition batters settle at all and kept chipping in with wickets at regular intervals of the game.
Sam Curran, Harshal Patel, and Rahul Chahar picked two wickets each while Nathan Ellis and Arshdeep Singh bagged one scalp each. Based on the collective effort they restricted the opposition under 150 runs.
With the bat, although Punjab Kings lost early wickets, it was skipper Sam Curran, who stood tall for his team. The batter led from the front and scored an unbeaten 63 runs. Rilee Rossouw (22), Jitesh Sharma (22), and Ashutosh Sharma (17*) played handy knocks as they chased the target with more than an over to spare.
Sam Curran revealed that the message was clear for his team as they take a lot of pride to play for. He made a bold claim while lauding Nathan Ellis, saying that they should’ve played him in all the games.
Sam Curran added that he enjoyed playing for the team throughout the season and admitted that they lost close games in the season as well. Speaking during the post-match presentation, he added:
“We bowled really well as a group. Message was that we had a lot of pride to play for. Ellis was absolutely amazing in his first game of the season. Probably should've played him earlier. When I went in, Jonny said it was quite tough. It was holding a little bit. Didn't need to take too much risk.
“Knew on a ground like this, we just needed a couple of sixes. Me and Jonny are leaving tomorrow. Obviously nice. Have thoroughly enjoyed the season, and have enjoyed captaining. The atmosphere around the group has been really good. Excited about the World Cup. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. We had so many close games.”
Feel like the team is close to something - Sam Curran on Punjab Kings
Sam Curran also talked about positives for the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024. He believes that the team is close to something big and lauded Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harshal Patel, and Arshdeep Singh for their performances. He added:
“Feel like the team is close to something. Who knows what the future holds. Loads of positives. The chase in Kolkata. The way Shashank Singh has come into the team is amazing. Ashutosh as well. Harshal and Arshdeep have bowled well.”
Punjab Kings will be next seen in action when they will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last game on Sunday (19th May).