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English all-rounder Sam Curran aims to replicate his winning streak with the Desert Vipers in the ILT20. Curran has experienced considerable success in England, securing victories in The Hundred with the Oval Invincibles and the County Championship with Surrey in 2024. He now hopes to add the ILT20 title to his collection in 2025.
In a discussion on the Vipers Voices podcast, Curran expressed his passion for winning.
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“I guess I love winning trophies. Any player loves winning trophies and the last couple of years I have won a couple, which has been really nice,” Curran said.
He emphasized the significance of team culture in achieving success. He highlighted the positive atmosphere within the Vipers as a key factor in his decision to rejoin the team.
“I think one of the keys to that is the culture of this team – that is really important. The vibe and the energy around the group is vital and that is one reason I have come to the Vipers after playing the last part of the season with them last year,” he said.
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Curran values a comfortable environment where players can express themselves freely while maintaining a serious and dedicated approach to training. He believes in continuous improvement and avoids complacency.
“For me, it links back to coming to a place where I know a lot of people and you can feel comfortable, you can express yourself, you can have a joke, but when you come down to training you can be that serious and energetic group and train really hard and be honest with each other when you have a bad day.”
He acknowledges the length of the tournament and the need to focus on each game individually.
“Complacency is something I do not really like to do as well. When you have a good day, you have got to keep coming back. So I guess I hope we can win a trophy for the Vipers. That would be really special. I am sure that’s everyone’s target, but in a tournament with so many games, you have got to make sure you do not look too far ahead.”
He expressed his excitement for the upcoming season.
“It is a marathon, not a sprint. But I am really excited and, having been here a few days already, I am counting down the days till that first game.”
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Curran participated in a pre-season training session at the ICC Academy alongside other players. The group included Mohammad Aamir, Dhruv Parashar, Tanish Suri, and Luke Wood.
Curran chose to return to the Vipers despite having other opportunities in various leagues. His decision was influenced by his familiarity with the team’s personnel.
“The fact is I know quite a lot of people here. Obviously (Desert Vipers Director of Cricket) Tom Moody is a guy I know really well as he is my Head Coach at the Oval Invincibles. The Vipers’ Strength and Conditioning Coach, Darren Veness, has worked with me at Surrey for many years and then there is James Foster, the Vipers Head Coach. There are a lot of familiar faces.”
He appreciated the team environment and culture he experienced during his previous stint. He highlighted the importance of being surrounded by people who understand his game and personality.
“I liked the environment and the culture last year that was created, even though I was only here for probably ten days or so. The environment is something that is quite important to me and knowing that I am here for the next five weeks, with a sense we can build something quite nice is a positive.”
“And being around people that know my cricket and know my game and personality and can get the best out of me is fantastic, so I am really looking forward to it.”
Tom Moody and James Foster have expressed their expectations for Curran to contribute as a batter, bowler, and senior leader.
Curran’s experience includes being named player of the tournament in England’s T20 World Cup win and captaining the Punjab Kings in the IPL. He is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge and experience with the team.
“Even though I am still fairly young I still feel extremely experienced around T20 cricket.”
He aims to assist his teammates and contribute to the team’s success.
“I know the captain Lockie Ferguson quite well having played with him., so I will just be trying to help guys and share my experiences, and hopefully show some performances on the park that will enhance the team’s chances of winning.”
Curran enjoys the leadership role and considers himself a tactician.
“I do like that leadership role and I am kind of a tactician. I obviously did a little bit of that in the IPL (with the Punjab Kings) and really enjoyed it, a bit for Surrey as well. It is something I find quite nice to do and fingers crossed when I am needed here, I can help out.”
Sam Curran’s brother, Tom, will be playing for the Gulf Giants in the ILT20. This creates a unique sibling rivalry as they are usually teammates. Sam expressed his anticipation for the matches against his brother.
“I have spoken to Tom about it,” said Sam. He is in Australia now, playing in the Big Bash League, but we have already penned that date in the diary, the Vipers versus the Gulf Giants!”
“We played against each other once or twice in the IPL or twice, I think when he was with Delhi. It will be a very strange feeling but I think now that we are a bit older there will be no love on that field.”
“I am sure there will be a lot of bragging rights around the dinner table and I am sure our mum will be there for that as well. I am very excited for that one. Whatever happens, as long as I hit him for six, I will be happy!”
The Desert Vipers failed to reach the playoffs in the previous season despite being runners-up in the first season. Sam is confident that the current squad can improve upon last season’s performance.
“The schedule for this season looks pretty compact and busy, so I think it is probably really important for us to start well and try to get that confidence up.”
“The good thing is, there is so much experience in our side. You look at guys like Alex Hales, Wanindu Hasaranga, Luke Wood and UAE players like Ali Naseer and Tanish Suri – these guys are coming back for the third season, so I am sure they will have learned from that last season and help us to put things right. That is important because the competition is going to keep getting stronger.”
“Our first game is on the 12th of January and then we go bang, bang, bang with loads of games so, as I said, starting well is hugely important, but if we do not then we will have to use our experience not to panic.”
“I think the team will be really eager, and it is nice that the management have kept a familiar group as well. I think that shows their consistency and loyalty towards the players and the staff as well.”
The Desert Vipers will begin their campaign against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on January 12 at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
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