- Punjab Kings secure Sam Curran for a record INR 18.50 crore, making him one of IPL’s most expensive players.
- AB de Villiers critiques the valuation, stating Curran has been overpaid in recent years despite a standout World Cup performance.
- Despite skepticism, de Villiers acknowledges Curran’s potential for a turnaround, questioning the financial strategy behind retaining him.
In a headline-grabbing move at the IPL auction, the Punjab Kings secured the services of Sam Curran for a staggering INR 18.50 crore, catapulting him into the league of the IPL’s most expensive players alongside Mitchell Starc (INR 24.75 crore) and Pat Cummins (INR 20.50 crore). This hefty price tag has ignited discussions within the cricketing community, including a candid assessment from former South African cricketer AB de Villiers.
De Villiers, known for his straightforward views, expressed his opinion on his YouTube channel, stating,
“I don’t like to be controversial. But, in my opinion, he’s been overpaid for quite a few years now. He’s not a bad player; I like him. He’s had a fantastic World Cup, but that’s quite a few years back. I don’t think he’s had a very good IPL recently. Also, for England, he hasn’t played exceptionally well.”
De Villiers’ sheds light on overpaid Sam Curran’s potential
The former South African batsman’s remarks bring attention to Curran’s recent performance, especially in the last IPL season where he played 14 matches, scoring 276 runs and picking up 10 wickets. Despite these numbers, de Villiers emphasized the significance of a player’s recent form.
De Villiers went on to acknowledge Curran’s potential for a turnaround, saying,
“He can turn things around like most world-class players can. Nothing against Sam Curran. I still think he’s a wonderful player. I just think he’s been overpaid for a few years. Maybe it would have been a good move for them to let him go to open up some funds to buy different players.”
The Punjab Kings’ decision to retain Curran, despite earlier rumors hinting at a possible release to save funds, showcases the franchise’s confidence in the English all-rounder. However, de Villiers’ candid critique raises broader questions about the valuation of players in the IPL and the financial strategies employed by franchises during the auction process. As the IPL season approaches, all eyes will be on Sam Curran to justify his high valuation and make a strong impact on the field.
Also, see:
For that price? De Villiers questions IPL teams’ whopping but worthless investments
