Daniel Sams

Known for his economical bowling and power-hitting down the order, Daniel Sams  came into the limelight on his debut against the Sydney Thunders in the 2017-18 Big Bash League (BBL) season. Sams took four wickets for just fourteen runs making it the best figures by a debutant in the prestigious tournament.

A memorable season ended with Sams scalping 30 wickets in 17 matches for the Sydney Thunders becoming the first bowler to achieve this feat in the ninth season of the BBL. Based on his successful stint with Sydney Sixers, Sams was picked by the Australian provisional squad ahead of the away series in England in August 2020, although he didn’t get a chance to showcase his skill to some of the best batsmen in the world.

When English opener Jason Roy opted out of the IPL 2020 citing personal reasons, Delhi Capitals roped in Sams who had finished the Big Bash 2019-20 as the highest wicket-taker. He played in just 3 matches for the Capitals and went wicketless in the entire tournament. Playing alongside a deadly fast bowling lineup including Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Ishant Sharma, he didn’t get to feature much and was traded to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the 2021 IPL.

In the 2020-21 BBL season, Sams established himself as a prolific all-rounder when he scored 200 runs in 8 innings and also picked a handful of wickets. Knowing his all-round expertise, Australia included the southpaw in the limited-overs format for the series against Indian in October 2020. He finally made his debut against India on December 6,  2020 and conceded 41 runs in a disappointing loss against the Men in Blue.

A promising all-rounder who showed his capabilities in recent times, Sams’ place in the RCB’s playing XI  is uncertain due to the inclusion of Kyle Jamieson and Dan Christian but he would be hoping to grasp onto any opportunities presented to him.

(As of March 2021)