“He left behind an innings and wickets so that you remember him in next year’s big auction” – Aakash Chopra on Sam Curran’s performance for PBKS vs RR

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons Sam Curran’s all-round performance against Rajasthan Royals will hold him in a good position for the next IPL 2025 mega auction. Curran played a key role in his team’s five-wicket win against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Wednesday.

Curran got the early wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal as the ball ricocheted onto the stumps. Furthermore, he dismissed Dhruv Jurel for a golden duck, conceding 24 runs in the three overs he bowled.

On the other hand, the left-hander scored an unbeaten knock of 63 runs off 41 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes in the run-chase of 145. Thus, Curran was awarded Player of the Match for his fine performance.

“In the run chase, Prabhsimran Singh got out in the first over for sure. Then Jonny Bairstow also got out. Rilee Rossouw too got out but Jitesh Sharma played a good knock and Sam Curran played a captain’s knock. It was a Player of the Match performance from Sam Curran. It was his last match of this season. He is leaving after this,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“However, while leaving, he left behind an innings and wickets so that you remember him in next year’s big auction. It will be all money when the auction happens. For that, you need to put in some good performances, and performances right at the end matter a little more because they remain in your mind,” the former India opener added.

The renowned commentator hailed the collective bowling effort of the team. Rahul Chahar and Harshal Patel bagged two wickets each whereas Nathan Ellis and Arshdeep Singh also picked one scalp apiece.

“Sam Curran bowled decently. Nathan Ellis played here. Rahul Chahar picked up two wickets. He dismissed both overseas batters. Overall, Punjab tightened the screws. What were Punjab playing for?” he observed.

“Let’s be honest, they also know that they can’t progress but it’s necessary to win every match because the fans love you. Once they become your fans, no matter how many times you break their hearts, their hearts are with you. So that is the situation and there they put their best foot forward,” Chopra stated.

Punjab Kings will play their last league stage match of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Sunday.