IPL 2025: Back to the den, Sam Curran reveals the reason for CSK's success

The IPL pool was increased from eight to ten teams in the 2022 edition. With ten teams in the trophy chase, it's still a pretty straightforward equation to gauge the clear leaders of victory. Mumbai Indians, with five trophies, and Chennai Super Kings, with as many titles, are credited as the most successful teams in the IPL. CSK, moreover, is known for their utter dominance, with 2020 being the first time since the inaugural season that the team fell out of playoff contention. In 17 IPL seasons, CSK has entered 12 playoffs and played 10 finals. Now, as they gear up for IPL 2025, Sam Curran has opened up about what makes CSK successful in the league.

Sam Curran was an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings camp in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The English all-rounder was part of the CSK squad that lifted the IPL 2021 title, the fourth trophy for Chennai in the IPL. However, Curran left the side in the IPL 2022 mega auction. Now, Curran is back in the CSK camp after a stint with Punjab Kings. Chennai claimed the English all-rounder in the IPL 2025 mega auction for ₹2.4 crore. Now back in the den, the player reflected on the franchise and what makes it different from others in franchise cricket.

“Chennai and Mumbai have won five trophies [each], and I think that's probably linked to their loyalty,” Curran said. “When I got picked up in the auction, I had about 12, 14 WhatsApp messages from all the people that were here in 2020, and I think it's those small things that make you appreciate [being here]. Sometimes franchise cricket can be a little bit, ‘Oh, you turn up, and I guess you play the tournament, and you go on to the next one,’ but I think Chennai, they've shown why they're the most successful franchise," he added.

Chennai Super Kings couldn't make it past the league stage after a hard-hitting loss against RCB last season. With Ruturaj Gaikwad at the helm, CSK will kickstart IPL 2025 on Sunday, March 23, against their arch-rivals, Mumbai Indians. The "El Clasico" of IPL is set to unfold at the iconic Chepauk this time. Along with Curran, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Matheesa Pathirana are poised to be critical overseas picks for the five-time champions this season.