Sam Curran has done his bit to be retained by Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 auction claims Aakash Chopra

Sam Curran has left significant impact at the latter stage of the ongoing IPL 2024 both as Punjab Kings (PBKS) stand-in captain and all-rounder before leaving for England for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan and ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Curran has left for the home after captaining Punjab Kings (PBKS) to thrilling five-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in an IPL 2024 clash at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on May 15. The England all-rounder contributed with both bat and ball in PBKS’ impressive win over the Royals.

Before playing captain’s knock of unbeaten 63 runs off 41 balls studded with five boundaries and three sixes, Curran finished with the impressive figures of 2/34 in three overs against the RR.

Sam Curran played a captain's knock: Aakash Chopra

Well, analysing the PBKS’ run chase, Aakash Chopra said that Jitesh Sharma played a commendable innings while Curran delivered an exceptional performance after poor start against RR.

The former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator further praised Curran's captain's knock, especially considering it was his final match of the season before leaving for England. He also highlighted Curran's strategic move to leave behind a memorable performance, ensuring his presence in the minds of the franchise owners during the next year's auction.

Aakash Chopra said in his YouTube Channel: “In the run chase, Prabhsimran Singh got out in the first over for sure. Then Jonny Bairstow also got out. Rilee Rossouw too got out but Jitesh Sharma played a good knock and Sam Curran played a captain's knock. It was a Player of the Match performance from Sam Curran.

It was his last match of this season. He is leaving after this. However, while leaving, he left behind an innings and wickets so that you remember him in next year's big auction. It will be all money when the auction happens. For that, you need to put in some good performances, and performances right at the end matter a little more because they remain in your mind. Curran also bowled decently against the Royals.”

RR vs PBKS Match Highlights

Notably, Curran didn’t have that great a season, but the English all-rounder managed to amass 270 runs and take 16 wickets for PBKS in 13 games in the ongoing IPL 2024. His impressive performance came in the tournament when he was leading the PBKS in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan.

Speaking about the thrilling encounter, RR posted a total of 144/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Riyan Parag leading the charge with a valiant knock of 48 runs. However, his efforts were not enough to win the game for RR, as PBKS chased down the target with five wickets in hand and seven balls to spare.

PBKS’ chase was anchored by a splendid unbeaten fifty from Curran, while Rilee Rossouw's solid innings of 22 runs also contributed significantly to the team’s successful chase against RR.

Despite a spirited bowling effort from RR, with Avesh Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal claiming two wickets each, PBKS managed to maintain their composure and win the match in Guwahati.