Sam Billings had a average career in IPL up till now when he played for Delhi Daredevils in last two seasons. Billings was only able to play in 11 matches and he failed to make much of a mark.
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In IPL 2018, Billings is picked up by Chennai Super Kings and yesterday the Englishman showed his true mettle, when he made his debut for yellow brigade. Billings played a spectacular knock of 56 of just 23 balls which helped CSK chase down a huge total 203 put up by KKR, especially due to brilliance Andre Russell.
CSK made a scintillating start to the run chase with likes of Shane Watson and Rayudu, who demolished KKR in the powerplay to all parts of the ground. But as soon as CSK lost both their openers, KKR started tightening the cord around their neck. Soon Suresh Raina departed trying to break shackles and honors fell on Dhoni and Billings to keep momentum going for the run chase.
Billings took charge of the situation and kept smashing the bowlers all around as MSD was also struggling to time the ball. Eventually he got out in the penultimate over and CSK needed 17 runs from final over.
Dwayne Bravo came to the crease and did what he does best, taking CSK over the line with help of Jadeja.
Billings was declared MoM for his sparlking innings and his brilliance in the field.
Billings was very happy to win the match for CSK and has dedicated this performance to all CSK fans, especially people present in the stadium after all the security concerns due to political reasons.
Billings is enjoying his time in CSK since his first day in Chennai and he really admires the passion of CSK fans even when team was at MA Chibamdaram Statium for just a net session.
“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.” he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Billings got this opportunity in yesterday’s match due to injury of Kedar Jadhav in first match. He also had some good stuff to say about MS Dhoni.
“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.” he concluded.
