Samson out, Curran in: How the World Cup POTT is the answer to RR's biggest IPL weakness

Why buying Curran is a good move for RR [Source: AFP Photo]

It is almost done and dusted - Sanju Samson is reportedly on the verge of signing a deal with the Chennai Super Kings, and in return, the Rajasthan Royals will trade Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to bolster their all-rounders department. While Samson to CSK fits in perfectly from a tactical point of view, fans are concerned that Curran won’t be an upgrade to the current all-rounders RR have.

However, if we keep the emotions aside, then Curran to RR in a trade deal might not be a bad deal, and could actually favour the Royals in the long-term as Curran’s strengths will work for them. In this piece, we analyse how the English all-rounder could help the Royals overcome their weaknesses and how this deal is actually a good business.

A steal at 2.4 crore for RR

CSK paid just 2.4 crore to acquire Sam Curran’s services for the IPL 2025 season, and while his performances were decent, the English star still has loads of potential and with RR reportedly paying the same price to buy him, it could turn out to be a steal deal for them.

Still 27 years old, Curran is at his prime, and RR will be getting a player of his calibre for just 2.4 crore and they can save the rest of the money to bolster the other weak areas in the squad.

An excellent all-round T20 record

Curran has been a bit of a hit-and-miss in the IPL in recent years, but his overall T20 record speaks to his immense talent. The all-rounder has been outstanding in this format and RR will be getting a proven all-round star, and the stats tell the story.

(Sam Curran T20 stats)

• The all-rounder is an experienced player of T20 cricket and has already played more than 300 matches. He has 4882 runs and the strike rate is also healthy (137). Moreover, apart from his batting, Curran is an exceptional bowler and has scalped 291 T20 wickets, showcasing his all-round prowess.
• With the ball, he can open the bowl for RR, and can also come in handy at the death, an area that has been a concern for the franchise in recent years.
• He was the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup in 2022, and RR will be getting a proven match-winner.

Solving RR's finishing issues

• What has been RR’s biggest cause of worry in the IPL 2025 season? It was their inability to see off matches as the team tried Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer for the finishing role, but both batters failed to deliver the goods as RR couldn’t cross the winning line in multiple matches.
• Curran’s death-overs numbers with the bat in IPL is astonishing and the numbers tell that he could be the solution to their problems.

(Sam Curran IPL stats in death overs)

• From overs 16-20, Curran takes his batting game to a whole new level as he becomes one of the best finishers in the league and the numbers tell the story. He has accumulated 456 runs in slog overs, with an astonishing strike rate of 181, showcasing his hitting prowess.
• He could easily bat at number 6 or 7 for RR and could solve their finishing issues and hence, the deal to sign Curran might not be a bad idea.

Final verdict

In the last few overs, Curran’s performances in the IPL have not been up to the mark, but the deal to trade him from CSK could be a masterstroke by RR. He has an excellent T20 record and also has experience of playing in the IPL.

Moreover, the English star would solve their biggest weakness from last season, and hence, for 2.4 crores, Curran to RR will be a steal deal.

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