Kings XI Punjab were on 1 April, forced to replace the big-hitting Chris Gayle – who had scored 139 runs in 3 matches – with the young English all-rounder Sam Curran. But by the end of the match, the franchise that has won 3 in 4 games, would have only been glad they did so.
After scoring a 10-ball 20, the 20-year-old picked up a hat-trick against the Delhi Capitals – becoming the youngest to take three back-to-back wickets in the IPL. Finishing with figures of 4/11 in 2.2 overs, he helped KXIP bowl Delhi out for 152 and defend their 166-run total.
After his match-winning performance, the internet dug out an old photo of Sam Curran, with the now 39-year-old Gayle.
Special Moment for Any Youngster: Gayle
On 4 April, Gayle shared the old photo with Curran, with one from the ongoing IPL. “This is a special moment for any youngster! All I can say is remember what get you where you at today. I think in the pic I’m looking young but you’re looking younger,” he wrote in the caption.
Well Done Replacing Universe Boss: Brian Lara
Social media was abuzz with chatter about Curran’s performance after KXIP win, and Windies legend Brian Lara even shared the picture of the young player with Gayle.
“Love this!! Well done young Sam Curran replacing ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle and coming up with such a great performance,” wrote Lara.
Sam, who was bagged by KXIP for a whopping 7.2 crore, is one of the three sons of English cricketer Kevin Curran and brother of cricketers Tom and Ben Curran.
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