IPL 2025: Sam Curran Targets England Comeback with Strong CSK Performances

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England all-rounder Sam Curran is determined to make a statement in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, hoping his performances for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will earn him a recall to England's white-ball side.

Curran, who has been out of international action since England's white-ball series against the West Indies in late 2024, was overlooked for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and is keen to prove himself once again.

Aiming for England Return

Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Curran admitted that breaking back into England's set-up remains his top priority. "My main aim is probably just to get back into the (England white-ball) side. With England, I guess I've never really found that perfect role," Curran said.

England's approach in the Champions Trophy and the series in India earlier this year saw them favour a deeper batting line-up with extra pacers, leaving Curran out of the equation. However, the 26-year-old is confident that a successful IPL stint could put him back in contention.

"I feel like if I get my role right with England, I'll get back into it, who knows what will happen now. The cliché of (needing) runs and wickets is no debate, I've got to keep doing that," he added.

Returning to CSK for IPL 2025

Curran will be playing his second stint with CSK, having previously represented the franchise in 2020 and 2021. The all-rounder will be eager to make a strong impact under head coach Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni's leadership. CSK, five-time IPL champions, will begin their campaign against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Reflecting on his omission from the England squad, Curran acknowledged that England's red-ball and white-ball coach Brendon McCullum was honest in his assessment.

"Baz (McCullum) called me at the start when I did get left out, was clear and honest, and I respected that. I've never worked under him, but he seems very honest and clear about (what he wants). He said I won't be there right now but that didn't mean the door was shut. It's about going away, doing really well and performing," Curran revealed.

McCullum's feedback has fuelled Curran's determination to put in standout performances in IPL 2025 and force his way back into England's plans for the summer, which includes series against West Indies, India, and South Africa.

Leadership and England's Captaincy Scenario

In addition to IPL responsibilities, Curran will also lead Surrey in England's Vitality Blast T20 competition later this year. His leadership experience could boost his chances of being considered for England's T20I captaincy, a role that remains uncertain following Jos Buttler's resignation after England's winless Champions Trophy campaign.

McCullum recently hinted at the possibility of having separate captains for ODI and T20I formats, stating, "If it's the same person, great; if it's two, that's great too. Give me a couple of weeks to work it out and get this thing back on track."

Determined to Prove a Point

Despite the setbacks, Curran remains optimistic about his future in international cricket. "I feel in a really good space. I was obviously gutted when it happened, but I'm still pretty young and feel like I have matured when it comes to handling the bad stuff. Being a bit more experienced and reading situations better, I really hope I can get back into the team. There is only one way (to do that), hopefully, I can have a really good IPL and see where we are in the summer," he said.

With England looking to revamp their white-ball strategy after a disappointing Champions Trophy, a strong IPL campaign could provide Curran with the perfect platform to push for a return. As he prepares to take the field for CSK, all eyes will be on his performances in the high-stakes tournament.