Sam gives top billing to IPL, says league helps in building players

CHENNAI: Sam Billings was a late buy for Chennai Super Kings in January’s player auction for IPL 2018, but the England limitedovers batsman came to the party early on Tuesday. The 26-yearold was a livewire on the field and then scored a match-winning 56 to set up CSK’S grand homecoming as they beat Knight Riders by five wickets in a highscoring game here on Tuesday.

Billings said skipper MS Dhoni and coaches Stephen Fleming and Mike Hussey have helped the dressing room bond.

“Ms…he just enables people to relax, and be very calm like he is… it is a close-knit group. It has only been two games and practice games, but it is amazing how quickly it has gelled. That is the difference in these close games, team culture is a huge thing.”

His 54-run stand with Dhoni also was crucial.

COUNTY UNHAPPY

While Billings and many other England players are embracing T20 cricket, English County team directors are unhappy with players heading to the IPL, hurting the first-class season getting under way. Yorkshire was upset after pacer David Willey was signed up by CSK as injury replacement for Mitchell Santner.

However, Billings, who has played 13 ODIS and 17 T20s for England, feels T20 leagues are crucial for a player’s growth.

“It is a difficult one (choice). I have been around the world, played the Big Bash League for the last two years, and Pakistan Super League. These competitons are more or less international cricket. You’re playing in front of a crowd as big as in any international game. You’ve got international quality through every single side.”