Sam gives top billing to IPL, says league builds players
CHOICE Day after leading CSK to win, batsman explains why he picked league over County CHENNAI::
Sam Billings was a late buy for Chennai Super Kings in January’s player auction for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018, but the England limitedovers batsman came to the party early on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old was a livewire on the field and then scored a match-winning 56 to set up CSK’s grand homecoming as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets in a high-scoring game here on Tuesday.
His 23-ball knock of power and poise negated Andre Russell’s 36-ball 88 not out as CSK chased down KKR’s 202/6 with a ball to spare. He was named Man-ofthe-Match.
Billings was thrilled to do it for the CSK fans, who turned up in thousands in the team’s yellow t-shirts. “It means a lot to me, of course to the team, and even more to the fans. We saw their passion, in the practice game we saw 10000 people, Dhoni wasn’t even here, he was in Mumbai for the captain’s meet. That shows how much it means to people in this part of the world.”
In two years with Delhi Daredevils, Billings played 11 games, but his third IPL half-century promises him a regular spot, after replacing injured Kedar Jadhav in the eleven on Tuesday.
DHONI FAN
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.
“It is about playing smart, and his whole career he has played smart and finishing games probably more than anyone else.”
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.