IPL 2024 Auction: Why RCB went for out of form England all-rounder Tom Curran?

Royal Challengers Bangalore raised many eyebrows when they upped the paddle for England all-rounder Tom Curran in the IPL 2024 auction.

Tom Curran was sold to the RCB side at his base price of Rs. 1.5 crore at the flag end of the auction. It was a surprising buy from RCB, who had already roped in the likes of Alzarri Joseph and Lockie Ferguson in the auction.

Tom Curran has been a name familiar to IPL fans. He started his journey with Kolkata Knight Riders, but hasn't been a hit in the league. He also represented Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL before, but has just been a sporadic player in all of those teams.

Curran has only played 13 matches in the IPL and has gone at a rate of 10.84 runs per over, picking up 13 wickets in the process. The bowling all-rounder is also out of the England fray, having last played for his country in 2021.

Despite all the discouraging facts, RCB decided to splash their cash on the 28-year-old, and that had probably two reasons.

RCB needed a backup for Cameron Green

RCB traded in Cameron Green from Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. The Australian all-rounder is a coveted player and will be the first choice in Bangalore. But Tom Curran can be a decent backup for him. Curran is mainly a pacer, and also can use the long handle of the bet to good effect. Hence, he can be a decent option to have in the tank for RCB.

Tom Curran's good form in Hundred and BBL

Tom Curran was excellent in the Hundred 2023 with both bat and ball. The England all-rounder picked up 9 wickets and scored 175 runs in five matches in the tournament, playing four unbeaten knocks in the process. He has also started the BBL pretty well with a three-wicket haul for Sydney Sixers. Hence that perhaps played a big part in RCB's decision to buy him.