England all-rounder and currently playing for the Kings XI Punjab in the Vivo IPL 12 Sam Curran has made quite a name for himself in the tournament. However way before he landed in India, he hogged the limelight after match-winning performances for England during the Test series against India. It was a great performance by the youngster as he proved to be the difference between the two sides.
After his exceptional series with both bat and the ball, Kings XI Punjab bagged his services for a whopping Rs 7.2 crores and a lot was expected from him. Sam Curran has made an impression for the Kings XI Punjab and has looked in good rhythm especially with the ball. However, he has belted for plenty on a few occasions which include the match against Mumbai Indians when he literally thrashed all around the stadium. His IPL performances include a well-deserved hat-trick which helped Punjab win an improbable game from the jaws of defeat.
“It has been a great learning experience for me. First time playing in India and I have to adjust my game according to the conditions. I have also learnt a lot of different skills while playing in the tournament and at the end of it, hopefully, I will emerge a better player,” Sam Curran was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.
This might be the maiden season for Curran both in England and Kings XI Punjab colours. However, he has looked pretty comfortable in Indian conditions. He stated that he got immense help from the senior players in the Kings XI Punjab team and also learnt a lot about the conditions in India from local cricketers.
“There are a lot of big names in our team and they are great players from all around the world. So, I tried to pick their brains during training and I also tried to learn from the local Indian players,” he said.
Meanwhile speaking about the sensational hat-trick against the Delhi Capitals, Sam Curran stated that it was an amazing feeling to help his team win a game. Delhi Capitals looked well set to win that particular clash. However, Kings XI, Punjab made a stunning comeback and bagged 8 wickets for DC for just 9 runs to seal the deal for his franchise.
“It was an amazing feeling but the bigger thing was that my team was able to win the game. We showed a lot of fight in that game and hopefully, we will be able to continue in the last few games.”
Just like the previous year Kings XI Punjab have fizzled out after during the business end of the tournament and needs to win their remaining 3 matches to harbour hopes of going through to the playoffs. Sam Curran is of the opinion that whichever team finds the momentum at this stage will go onto lift the 12th IPL title.
“The key for all the teams in the competition will be to find momentum. Whichever team will get the momentum towards the end of the tournament will probably go on to lift the title,” he opined.
Sam Curran will be very disappointed at not getting picked for the 15 members preliminary World Cup squad. When asked England’s chances in the showpiece event, Sam Curran was very optimistic and said that yet again momentum will be the key for his national side.
“Momentum is a big thing in cricket and performing at the right time will be important at the World Cup. England has a very strong squad and hopefully, they can win the tournament. The other teams are also gearing up for the tournament and England need to find their form in the Pakistan series.”