'Around the world, he's performed really well' - Sam Curran gets massive recognition from former IPL winner

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and South Africa cricketer Faf du Plessis has spoken very highly of all-rounder Sam Curran ahead of the Indian Premier League's 2026 edition. The English cricketer has joined Rajasthan Royals (RR) along with Ravindra Jadeja as part of a trade deal which saw Sanju Samson go to CSK.

Du Plessis acknowledged Curran’s recent run of good form whilst also appreciating his leadership qualities that could come in handy in a squad which will be led by a relatively inexperienced captain in Riyan Parag. The 27-year-old is also a bowler for all situations and has something up his sleeve based on the situation in front of him, the former Proteas international reckoned.

"Sam Curran, last year, had a really good season in T20 cricket. With The Hundred, he did really well, winning another trophy. Around the world, he's performed really well in T20 cricket. So I think they will see him as someone who is really in form at the moment. He's doing well for England and is playing a difficult role, often coming in when the team is in trouble,” du Plessis said via JioStar.

“So, the versatility that you get from Sam Curran is very crucial for the team because he gives you an over in the powerplay, bowls his cutters in the middle, and is really good at death bowling, whether with yorkers or slower balls. So you're getting a lot of skill sets there. Also, he's bringing experience and captaincy support to a young captain in that dressing room. The more leaders you have around you, the better the support will be for Riyan,” he added. 

Curran comes into the 2026 edition of the cash-rich tournament on the back of some very good form, both internationally and in franchise cricket. The left-hander was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 2025-26 season of the International League T20 (ILT20), where he captained Desert Vipers to their maiden title as well.

The young all-rounder also finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 397 at an average of just under 50, which is exceptional in T20 cricket. He also took eight wickets and six catches whilst also being named Player of the Match in the final. He also formed part of the Oval Invincibles side which retained their Men's Hundred title in 2025. 

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Both du Plessis and Curran formed part of CSK’s title-winning squad in 2021. The Englishman would go on to represent Punjab Kings for two seasons before moving back to the MA Chidambaram Stadium in 2025, where he played just five matches before eventually finding home in Rajasthan, a franchise he will be playing for the first time in 2026.