An unexpected drama unfolded at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as Sam Curran was seen unleashing his anger at the Punjab Kings management after playing a remarkable innings for Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2025 clash on Wednesday, April 30.
Chennai Super Kings stumbled early, losing three wickets for just 48 runs in the powerplay. But Sam Curran rose to the challenge. Joining forces with Dewald Brevis (32 runs off 26 balls), the England all-rounder stitched a steady 78-run stand that brought CSK back into the game against PBKS.
Batting at No. 3, Curran played a sensational knock of 88 runs off 47 balls, packed with nine fours and four sixes, at a strike rate of 187.23. His blazing knock came to an end in the 18th over when the CSK all-rounder tried to duck a sharp bouncer from Marco Jansen, but the ball kissed his bat on the way through and was safely caught behind the stumps by Josh Inglis.
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As Sam Curran walked back to the dugout after his superb knock, things took an ugly turn. He looked clearly upset and exchanged angry gestures towards the PBKS camp. Tensions rose quickly, as a visibly heated altercation broke out between Curran and what seemed to be some members of the Punjab Kings management and a few fans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
In the viral video, Curran seemed to shout something in anger during the confrontation. Notably, he had played for the PBKS in the past and even led the franchise in the tournament. A CSK staff member who witnessed the drama revealed, “Things got a bit heated. There’s clearly some lingering tension.”
Watch the heated moment here:
Sam Curran seems to having issue with Punjab management pic.twitter.com/8qNS3aA2XU
— MSDian (@NitinMudiyala) April 30, 2025
Sam Curran’s “Phone Call” gesture raises eyebrows
Meanwhile, after hitting his fifty in the 15th over off Azmatullah Omarzai, Sam Curran made a “phone call” gesture toward the CSK dugout — a quiet but clear message. It seemed to reflect his frustration at being underused this season, having played only four matches.
Thanks to the English all-rounder’s entertaining knock, CSK posted 190 in 19.2 overs. But Punjab Kings chased down the target in 19.4 overs to win the game by four wickets. With this loss, CSK is officially out of the playoff race, sitting at the bottom with just two wins and eight defeats.
MS Dhoni calls Sam Currna a ‘fighter’
However, CSK captain MS Dhoni hailed Curran for his efforts against the PBKS. MS Dhoni said at the post-match presentation, “The partnership between Brevis and Sam was excellent. We didn’t play the last four deliveries, and the second-to-last over four batters got out. In close games, those 7 deliveries mean a lot. Well, he’s a fighter (Curran). That’s something we all know.”
The legendary cricketer added, “Whenever he turns up, he wants to contribute. Unfortunately, so far, whenever we tried to give him a chance, the wicket was on the slower side, and he found it slightly difficult. But today’s wicket was one of the best we’ve got at home in this tournament. That’s the reason I felt we needed another 15 runs.”
