Sam Curran’s decision to withdraw from the current IPL has been questioned by Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara after the all-rounder was seen playing for Surrey in the T20 Blast.
After moving from the Chennai Super Kings as part of a trade deal with Ravindra Jadeja, Curran was expected to play a significant role in the Royals squad. But following the T20 World Cup, Curran had to withdraw from the IPL due to a groin injury, and Dasun Shanaka eventually took his place at RR.
Only seven times did the Sri Lankan all-rounder play for the Royals, including the second qualifier that they lost on Friday, May 29. After the game, Sangakkara expressed his disappointment at Curran playing for Surrey while the IPL was still going on. However, I believe I have now witnessed him playing for Surrey in two or three games.
Sangakkara stated, “We were informed that Sam Curran had a season-ending injury.”
That was therefore disappointing. It would have been wonderful to have him here to perform for us. However, I believe that having Dasun Shanaka in place when we were informed ahead of time was beneficial.
Despite not having bowled yet, Sam Curran is currently the tournament’s highest run scorer and has captained Surrey in all three of their games. In a media interview a few months back, the all-rounder did disclose that there is no set timeline for his return to action. “It’s an injury that I’ve kind of been battling with a little bit,” Curran said. “It has steadily gotten a little worse.
I had to make the difficult choice after getting a few scans, which revealed acceptable damage. It was really getting in the way of me. I guess I simply have a rehab block now, trying to get strong and fit whenever it feels right. Missing the IPL was really upsetting. I know I’d prefer to have been there, but injuries are a part of sports, so watching the IPL will be difficult.”
Sangakkara praised the BCCI’s policy of prohibiting players from withdrawing after being selected in the auction, but he also reserved praise for the foreign stars in their squad who warmed the bench for the majority of the season, even though there is currently no update on the possible effects this may have on Sam Curran IPL future. “I think a proper tight policy around that is always a requirement,” he said. Additionally, the BCCI has a stringent regulation regarding that.
Everybody experiences injuries. Naturally, we comprehend if the injury is severe enough to end a season. There have been a lot of injuries. Adam Milne and (Shimron) Hetmyer are just two of the many players that have arrived here and not had much of a game. Another is Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Another is Kwena Maphaka. They have been present. They had practiced, worked hard, and carried water for the team. Additionally, they have put in just as much effort as anybody else to help the squad along the way.
It is ultimately up to each individual player to determine whether or not they wish to go. However, I believe that the current BCCI stance on it is quite stringent. And it ought to be quite tight in this manner. to ensure proper and sincere fulfilment of contractual duties. And I believe that will be advantageous to all IPL teams.”
