Sam Curran’s unforgettable evening at Chepauk began not just with the bat but with a flashpoint involving his former team, Punjab Kings (PBKS). As the English all-rounder made his way back to the dugout after a brilliant innings, tempers flared. Curran was seen visibly agitated, exchanging gestures with members of the PBKS camp in a tense moment that overshadowed his career-best IPL performance.
Curran, who once captained the Punjab side, seemed to carry extra fire against his old teammates. Batting at No. 3 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he unleashed a stunning 88 off just 47 balls, laced with nine boundaries and four sixes. His knock, played at a blistering strike rate of 187.23, single-handedly lifted CSK to a respectable total of 190 in 19.2 overs.
After reaching his half-century in the 15th over off Azmatullah Omarzai, Curran sent a subtle but pointed message to the CSK bench — making a "phone call" gesture toward the dugout. The celebration raised eyebrows, interpreted by many as a jab at the team management for underutilizing him throughout the season. Curran has featured in only four games this year despite his match-winning capabilities.
Chahal's hattrick end's CSK's IPL 2025 season
CSK became the first team to be knocked out of the IPL 2025 playoff race after losing to Punjab Kings on Wednesday. Chennai Super Kings were bundled out for 190 in 19.2 overs. All-rounder Sam Curran played a sensational knock, scoring 88 off just 47 deliveries, smashing 9 fours and 4 sixes. He found support from Dewald Brevis, who contributed 32 runs off 26 balls.
Chahal picked up 4 wickets for 32 runs in his 4-over spell, including a memorable hat-trick in the 19th over, becoming the first bowler in IPL history to take a hat-trick against CSK.
Kings showed composure with the bat. Skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front, scoring a match-winning 72 off 41 balls, decorated with 5 fours and 4 sixes. He was well-supported by opener Prabhsimran Singh, who hammered 54 off 36 deliveries, including 5 boundaries and 3 sixes. Despite the hiccups, PBKS claimed win by 4 wickets.
