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Sam Curran Eyes England Return After IPL and Surrey Captaincy
Sam Curran expressed optimism regarding his potential return to the England national team, attributing his hopes to his impressive form in the IPL and his recent appointment as Surrey’s T20 captain. In conversation with Sky Sports, the all-rounder shared his aspirations following a period of absence from international selections, including the upcoming Champions Trophy.
At just 26 years old, Curran has already made significant contributions to England’s cricketing successes, notably being named Player of the Tournament during the 2022 T20 World Cup victory. However, despite his accomplishments, he has found himself on the sidelines recently.
“I anticipated that question about returning to the England squad,” Curran remarked during his guest appearance on the latest episode of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. “Being named as Surrey’s captain is an incredible honor, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for me to focus on my game and aim for a return to the white-ball side.”
Curran is set to play for the Chennai Super Kings in this year’s IPL, a platform he believes can showcase his skills and enhance his chances of rejoining the England squad. “Right now, my primary focus is on getting back into the team. I feel good about my role in captaincy and believe that this will help me grow as a player,” he added.
Seeking the Right Role with England
Curran reflected on his journey with the England team, noting challenges in finding his ideal role within the squad. He commented on recent squad selections, stating, “In the Champions Trophy and the series against India, it was clear they opted for a batting-heavy lineup with extra pacers. If I can hone in on my role, I believe I can secure my place back on the team.”
Despite feeling disappointed about his recent exclusion, Curran remains confident in his abilities and maturity as a player. “I was upset when I learned of my omission, but I’m still quite young and have learned to navigate such challenges better,” he said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong performances, stating, “The formula remains straightforward: I need to continue accumulating runs and taking wickets. A successful IPL season is vital for my aspirations.”
Positive Communication with McCullum
Having not represented England in ODIs or T20s since last November against the West Indies, Curran discussed his relationship with head coach Brendon McCullum. He noted the significance of open communication, saying, “Baz reached out to me soon after my omission, providing clear and honest feedback regarding my situation, which I genuinely appreciate.”
Curran acknowledged that McCullum’s straightforwardness regarding team balance and selection criteria is refreshing. “He explained that my exclusion was not a permanent decision but rather a matter of performance and fit within the squad. I value that honesty much more than vague explanations about being ‘unlucky.’ Sometimes, such candidness can motivate players to prove themselves,” he remarked.
As he prepares for the IPL and his leadership role with Surrey, Curran remains hopeful. “I’m poised for a great IPL season, and I aim to carry that momentum into the summer. Fingers crossed, I’ll find myself back in the squad by June,” he concluded.
Catch all 74 matches from the 2025 IPL live on Sky Sports Cricket, beginning with the opening match on March 22, featuring Kolkata Knight Riders versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Source
www.skysports.com