I was playing cricket in my backyard as an eight-year-old when IPL started: KXIP's Sam Curran

England all-rounder Sam Curran made a big name for himself in the Test series against India in 2018, as he was named Man of the Series due to his performances, both with the leather and willow in hand. The 20-year-old Curran, who bowls and bats left-handed, has played 9 Tests making 454 runs and taking 15 wickets. He has scored 3 half-centuries with a best of 78.

His performances earned him an Rs. 7.20 crore contract with Kings XI Punjab for the IPL 2019. His name saw an intense bidding war with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab vying for the England all-rounder. However, Punjab won in the end and Curran recently made his IPL debut against Rajasthan Royals and he returned with figures of 2/52 in four overs.

Sam Curran talks about his excitement to be playing in IPL

“I am really excited to be part of the IPL. I have been watching it for a long time. It is an amazing tournament. I am really looking forward to playing some good cricket and sharing the dressing room with the best players in the world,” Curran was quoted saying by The Times of India (TOI).

Talking about his background in cricket, Sam and his brother Tom, who has played for England are sons of former Zimbabwe player late Kevin Curran, said, “I was playing cricket with my father in the backyard of my house when IPL started (laughs). I was learning the game at that point of time. I was watching big stars hitting the ball, taking wickets and doing some great fielding on the television screen.”

Curran also spoke about his team KXIP’s chances this year with players like KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Ashwin, Shami and himself in the side. “With Gayle and Rahul at the top, we have a great batting attack. Gayle is unstoppable when on fire. We have a decent bowling attack too. The middle order also looks strong. It is a well-balanced side. Ashwin is a good leader and the chances for KXIP looks bright. We want to take (it) one game at a time,” Curran was quoted as saying.

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