Sam Curran has been appointed captain of Surrey’s men’s team for the Vitality Blast, enhancing his credentials as a potential England white-ball captain. He previously played for Surrey since U15s, earning accolades as England’s player of the match in the 2022 T20 World Cup. After being out of favor since the 2023 World Cup, he now succeeds Chris Jordan, having captained Surrey in three fixtures and led Punjab Kings in the IPL. With over 4,000 T20 runs and 250 wickets, Curran expressed pride in his new role and aims to replicate Surrey’s recent County Championship successes.
Having represented Surrey since U15s and first captaining at U17s, Curran was named England’s player of the match and player of the tournament when they triumphed in the T20 World Cup in 2022. However, he has found himself out of favor following the 2023 World Cup and was omitted from Brendon McCullum’s initial white-ball rosters this year, including the recent Champions Trophy, which marked the end of Jos Buttler’s captaincy for England.
This year, Curran stepped in to captain Surrey for three Blast matches, taking over from Chris Jordan, whom he now succeeds permanently. He has also led Punjab Kings on 11 occasions in the Indian Premier League during 2023 and 2024, and recently guided Desert Vipers to the ILT20 final.
With over 4,000 T20 runs, Curran scored his first T20 century in last year’s Vitality Blast against Hampshire at the Kia Oval. As a bowler, he has taken more than 250 T20 wickets utilising his left-arm seam and swing.
A Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2019, he has represented England over 120 times across formats since his debut in 2018.
“I am incredibly honored and proud to have been named Surrey’s T20 captain,” Curran stated. “Leading such an outstanding group of players is a privilege, and I look forward to representing this historic club.”
“I am eager to lead our team and will strive to meet the high standards and expectations that Surrey is known for.”
“I am highly motivated to secure trophies and aim to replicate our successes in the County Championship over the past few years, which will make our Members and fans proud.”
Alec Stewart, Surrey’s High Performance Cricket Advisor, noted: “I’d like to express my gratitude to Chris Jordan for his three years as T20 captain. He led the team to successive Finals Day appearances and will continue to play a vital role on and off the field. CJ is one of our most experienced players and is highly respected within the Club.”
“This is the perfect moment for Sam to assume the captaincy, given his current career trajectory. It’s an excellent opportunity for him to make his mark on the team and help us advance toward winning silverware. Sam has already demonstrated his leadership abilities at Surrey and in the IPL, and I believe he will bring substantial value to the role.”
Surrey’s opening Vitality Blast match at the Kia Oval this year is set for Thursday, June 5, when they will face Hampshire in a double-header fixture.