In cricket auctions, the spotlight often falls on players who command attention both on and off the field. One such player who has consistently drawn interest in recent auctions is Sam Curran, the versatile all-rounder for England. Despite being a financial success in auctions, questions linger about whether his performance justifies his hefty price tag.
AB de Villiers, a cricketing maestro known for his precision and insight, offered a candid assessment of Sam Curran’s trajectory in a recent interview. De Villiers acknowledged Curran’s skills, stating, “He’s not a bad player; I like him.” However, he did not mince words about the financial aspect, expressing concern over the consistent high valuation of Curran over the years.
One aspect that drew scrutiny was Curran’s batting performance. Despite being a key all-rounder, his batting contributions fell short of expectations. De Villiers highlighted the need for a consistent display of batting prowess, emphasizing that a player of Curran’s caliber should be delivering impactful performances with the bat.
While Curran has showcased glimpses of brilliance with the ball, there has been a noticeable trend towards being on the pricey side. De Villiers pointed out this concern, suggesting that for a player with a hefty price tag, maintaining a more economical bowling record would be imperative. The financial investment in a player of Curran’s stature demands a balance between effective performance and economic value.
De Villiers drew attention to Curran’s fantastic World Cup performance, highlighting it as a pivotal moment in his career. However, he underscored that the remarkable World Cup feat was now a few years behind. The assertion raises questions about the relevance of past achievements and their impact on the valuation of a player in the present.
The critique extended beyond the IPL, encompassing Curran’s recent performances for England. De Villiers pointed out that the all-rounder had not played exceptionally well for the national team, bringing into question the consistency and impact required at the international level.
AB De Villiers feels Sam Curran is overpaid in the IPL
De Villiers, while acknowledging Curran’s potential for a turnaround, suggested that the financial investment in him might have been disproportionate. The proposal of letting Curran go to open up funds for acquiring different players implies a strategic consideration for team management.
The Punjab Kings, having invested significantly in Curran for IPL 2023, now face the aftermath of a lacklustre season. De Villiers’ perspective prompts a critical examination of the team’s strategy, urging them to weigh the financial commitment against the on-field contributions.
He said: “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
“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.”
