It looked like a lost battle for Chennai Super Kings when Sam Billings arrived at the crease following Suresh Raina’s departure. Chasing a daunting 203 against Kolkata Knight Riders, the Super Kings had their back against the wall.
They were 101 for 3 in the 12th over when Billings joined MS Dhoni in the middle. However, the England star came out all guns blazing to revive a chase that was looking set to be derailed. He hit boundaries at will to race away to a 21-ball 50. The carnage came to an end when he was dismissed by Tom Curran in the 19th over. Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo then scored the required 17-runs in the last over to fire Super Kings to a thrilling 5-wicket win.
It was the perfect homecoming for the Super Kings. They were playing their first home game since serving the two-year ban. And Billings sounded absolutely delighted that the Super Kings made the moment memorable with a win. Speaking after the game, he insisted the win mattered a lot to everyone associated with the team.
“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 said after the game.
The right-handed batsman further said 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,” he said.
Billings is one of the few England cricketers who are playing in the IPL. In recent times, the English players have embraced T20 cricket across the globe. However, English County team directors are unhappy with players heading to the IPL which has affected the first-class season.
Recently, Yorkshire was upset after pacer David Willey was signed up by Super Kings as injury replacement for Mitchell Santner. However, Billings is in favour of players playing in T20 leagues.
“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 competitions 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,” he said.
He also insisted that playing franchise cricket help a player to grow as cricketer.
“You are going to improve, no doubt. It is just a shame the schedule is clashing. Things have to give. For me, each player’s situation is totally individual. You can’t say a person should be doing that and doing that. It is their choice” he said.
“Of course, I feel for the Counties. I was made captain of Kent as well, so it is a difficult one. I have been with the club since I was eight. They have produced me through the academy and everything. They are producing players to play for England ultimately, and to play in IPL. That looks really good on them.
“In terms of producing top-level cricketers, you are going to take the next level up. These tournaments just fast forward that process,” he added.
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