Sam Curran is one of the most talked-about all-rounders in the IPL. The England star first made headlines as a teenager with a stunning hat-trick, and later became the most expensive buy in IPL auction history. But his journey has also seen trades, injuries, and a controversial exit. This article covers his full Sam Curran IPL career in simple words, with verified facts and stats.
Sam Curran IPL Team: Which Franchise Does He Play For?
Sam Curran was traded to Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026. The move was part of a blockbuster swap deal that sent Ravindra Jadeja and Curran to RR, with Sanju Samson going to Chennai Super Kings .
However, Curran did not play a single match for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. He pulled out before the season began, citing a groin injury. RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara later said the team was told it was a “season-ending injury,” but Curran returned to play for Surrey in the Vitality Blast soon after, which left the franchise disappointed .
Before this, Curran played for:
Sam Curran IPL Career: From Hat-Trick Hero to Record Buy
Sam Curran made his IPL debut in 2019 for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). He announced himself immediately with a hat-trick against Delhi Capitals, taking 4 wickets in 5 balls to win the match for his team . That spell made him a name to watch.
He moved to Chennai Super Kings in 2020 and played two seasons there. Under MS Dhoni, he grew as a cricketer and even opened the batting at times . In 2023, Punjab Kings bought him back at a record price, and he delivered with both bat and ball over the next two seasons.
In 2025, he returned to CSK and played 5 matches, producing a stunning 88-run knock against Punjab Kings . That innings showed his power-hitting ability, even though his bowling was less effective that season.
Sam Curran IPL Stats
Here are Sam Curran’s IPL career statistics up to the end of IPL 2025 (he did not play IPL 2026):
| Stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| Matches | 64 |
| Runs | 997 |
| Highest Score | 88 |
| Batting Average | 24.93 |
| Strike Rate | 136.39 |
| Fifties | 6 |
| Fours | 85 |
| Sixes | 41 |
| Wickets | 59 |
| Best Bowling | 4/11 |
| Bowling Average | 34.46 |
| Economy Rate | 9.74 |
| Strike Rate (Bowling) | 21.24 |
Source: IPL official stats, accurate up to IPL 2025
Curran has scored 997 runs and taken 59 wickets in 64 matches. He is close to the 1,000-run mark and the 60-wicket milestone, which shows his value as a genuine all-rounder.
Sam Curran IPL Auction Price
Sam Curran has been part of some big auction moments. Here are his verified auction and trade details:
| Year | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Kings XI Punjab | ₹7.20 crore |
| 2020 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹5.50 crore |
| 2021 | Chennai Super Kings | Retained |
| 2023 | Punjab Kings | ₹18.50 crore |
| 2025 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹2.40 crore |
| 2026 | Rajasthan Royals | ₹2.40 crore (trade) |
The ₹18.50 crore price in 2023 made him the most expensive buy at that auction and one of the highest in IPL history at the time . His value dropped significantly in later years, and the 2026 move was a trade rather than an auction purchase .
Sam Curran IPL Performance: What Makes Him Special?
Sam Curran is a rare player—a left-handed batter and left-arm fast-medium bowler. This combination gives his team balance that few players can offer.
Batting
Curran is an aggressive lower-order hitter who can also open the batting when needed. His 88 off 47 balls against PBKS in 2025 showed he can take apart any bowling attack . He has six IPL fifties, mostly batting at number 6 or 7, which makes his strike rate of 136.39 even more impressive.
Bowling
His best IPL bowling figures are 4/11, achieved on debut against Delhi Capitals in 2019 . He can bowl with the new ball and at the death, using variations and change of pace. However, his economy rate of 9.74 shows he can be expensive, especially on flat pitches.
Memorable Moments
- Hat-trick on IPL debut against Delhi Capitals (2019)
- ₹18.50 crore auction deal with Punjab Kings (2023)
- 88 runs off 47 balls vs Punjab Kings (2025)
- Part of CSK’s title-winning squad in 2021
Sam Curran IPL 2026: What Happened?
Sam Curran was set to play for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 after the trade from CSK. But on March 19, 2026, news broke that he had withdrawn from the tournament due to a groin injury .
Rajasthan Royals signed Dasun Shanaka as his replacement. Later, when Curran played for Surrey in the Vitality Blast in May 2026, Sangakkara expressed his frustration, saying the franchise was told it was a “season-ending injury” .
So, for IPL 2026, Curran’s official status is: Rajasthan Royals player who withdrew before the season due to injury.
Why Is Sam Curran Valuable in the IPL?
Sam Curran’s value comes from his versatility. Here is why teams want him:
- Left-arm angle: As a left-arm pacer, he creates a different challenge for right-handed batters.
- Batting depth: He can score quick runs at the death or hold an innings if promoted.
- Big-match experience: He was Player of the Tournament in England’s 2022 T20 World Cup win .
- Age: Born in June 1998, he is still in his prime years as a cricketer .
His recent form and injury issues have raised questions, but when fit and focused, Curran remains one of the most complete all-rounders in T20 cricket.
Conclusion
Sam Curran’s Sam Curran IPL journey has been full of highs and lows. From a debut hat-trick to becoming the most expensive auction buy, and from a controversial IPL 2026 withdrawal to his uncertain future, his story is far from over. With 997 runs and 59 wickets in 64 matches, he has already proven his worth as an all-rounder. Whether he returns to the IPL in 2027 and which team he plays for remains to be seen, but his impact on the league is already written in the record books.
FAQs
Which IPL team does Sam Curran play for?
Sam Curran was traded to Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026, but he withdrew before the season due to injury. His previous teams include Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings .
What is Sam Curran’s highest IPL auction price?
His highest auction price is ₹18.50 crore, paid by Punjab Kings in the 2023 mini-auction .
How many wickets has Sam Curran taken in the IPL?
Sam Curran has taken 59 wickets in 64 IPL matches .
How many runs has Sam Curran scored in the IPL?
He has scored 997 runs in 64 matches, with a highest score of 88 .
Is Sam Curran an all-rounder?
Yes, Sam Curran is a genuine all-rounder. He is a left-handed batter and a left-arm fast-medium bowler.
