IPL 2025: Sam Curran Struggles Against RCB After CSK’s Big-Budget Bid in Season 18 Auction

Quick Summary

• RCB defeated CSK by 50 runs in their IPL match at Chepauk on March 28, marking the team’s first win at the venue since 2008.
• RCB set a target of 196 runs, with skipper Rajat Patidar scoring 51 off 32 balls and opener Philip Salt contributing 32 off 16.
• CSK struggled with early wickets during the chase; Sam Curran scored only eight runs off thirteen balls before falling to Liam Livingstone’s delivery.
• Josh Hazlewood led RCB’s bowling attack, taking three wickets in four overs while conceding only twenty-one runs. Yash Dayal and Livingstone bagged two wickets each.
• Sam Curran was auctioned for Rs. ₹2.4 crore for IPL Season 18 (2025), significantly lower than his record-breaking ₹18.5 crore price in IPL Season 16 (2023).

Indian Opinion Analysis

RCB’s dominant performance reflects their batting depth and tactical excellence, notably breaking a near two-decade drought at Chepauk. For CSK, challenges continue despite strong performances historically associated with their home venue-a concern highlighted by inconsistent batting from key players like Sam Curran.

Curran’s drastically reduced auction price seems to align more closely with recent form rather than prior records of success. This shows how fluctuating player performances can influence valuation over seasons in IPL auctions.

The outcome is significant beyond statistics-it underscores the competitiveness of new-look franchises like RCB against historically dominant teams such as CSK. For Indian cricket fans, expectations around major players must remain tempered amidst dynamic shifts in form across this mega-tournament.

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