A Determined Comeback Path
England all-rounder Sam Curran is setting his sights on an international comeback, using the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a platform to showcase his abilities. After being left out of England’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Curran is eager to prove his worth with a standout performance for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL season.
A Break from International Cricket
Curran has been absent from the England squad since November last year, when he played in the white-ball series against West Indies. His exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad came as a disappointment, especially after England’s dismal campaign in Pakistan, which led to Jos Buttler stepping down as captain. Despite being a T20 World Cup-winning Player of the Tournament in 2022, Curran has struggled to secure a consistent role in England’s white-ball setup.
A New Era Under Brendon McCullum
With Brendon McCullum now overseeing England’s team across all formats and a new white-ball captain soon to be appointed, Curran sees fresh opportunities ahead. England is set to host West Indies, India, and South Africa this summer, and Curran hopes to make his mark before then with impressive IPL performances.
“I feel like if I get my role right with England, I’ll get back into it,” Curran shared on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. “It’s about performing—runs and wickets are what matter.”
IPL with Chennai Super Kings – A Crucial Opportunity
Curran’s immediate focus is on the IPL, where he will once again play under Stephen Fleming at CSK. After finishing fifth in last year’s tournament, the Super Kings are aiming for a stronger campaign, and Curran believes that excelling in the high-pressure environment of the IPL will help him grab the selectors’ attention.
“There is only one way back—by having a really good IPL and seeing where things stand in the summer,” Curran stated.
Leadership Role at Surrey
Apart from the IPL, Curran is also set to lead Surrey in the upcoming Vitality Blast. This captaincy experience could further strengthen his credentials, especially with McCullum considering separate ODI and T20I captains for England moving forward.
“If it’s the same person, great, if it’s two, that’s great too,” McCullum recently said, hinting at possible leadership changes after England’s poor Champions Trophy run.
Looking Forward to Working with McCullum
Curran has yet to play under McCullum but appreciates the coach’s direct approach. When he was left out of the England squad, McCullum was honest about the reasoning behind the decision, something Curran respects.
“He was clear about why I wasn’t in the squad, and I respect that more than just being told I was unlucky,” Curran noted. “Sometimes, those brutally honest conversations push you to prove them wrong.”
With June marking a fresh set of England fixtures, Curran remains hopeful that consistent performances in the IPL and domestic cricket will pave the way for his international return.(cricket betting sites)