Former Indian skipper, Krishnamachari Srikanth is of the opinion that CSK might have picked a potential match winner in the form of Sam Billings.

The Englishman produced a brilliant performance against Kolkata Knight Riders. It was his knock of 56 off 23 deliveries which eventually helped them chase down a mammoth target of 203.

Courtesy a sensational 36 balls 88 by Andre Russell, Kolkata Knight Riders posted a gigantic 202 on the board.

CSK got off to a rollicking start courtesy some exceptional batting by Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson at the top. Following their dismissals, the KKR spinners bowled well to restrict the CSK batsmen in the middle over.

Shah Rukh Khan — Photo Credit: IPL 2018.

It was in the 12^th over that Billings came into the crease with the score reading 101/3. Billings had a dream of batting alongside MS Dhoni, and it got fulfilled.

The skipper struggled his way through 25 off 28 deliveries before perishing to Piyush Chawla. Billings suddenly went on the carnage and started depositing the KKR bowlers all around the Chepauk.

He smashed five sixes and a couple of fours during his innings of 56. When he eventually got dismissed, Chennai still needed 19 more runs. 17 was required of the final over, and Vinay Kumar was handed over the ball.

He bowled a waist height no ball to begin with, which was deposited over the fence by Dwayne Bravo for a big six. It was Ravindra Jadeja who finished off the job with a big six when four was required of the last two.

Writing in his column for the Times of India, Srikanth said Billings is a “Champion in the making” for his new franchise.

“We have already witnessed some amazing efforts with the bat in season 11 but none better than the match-winning knock of 53 from Sam Billings. Widely expected to open, the Englishman made the middle order his own. For someone who did not grow up playing spin, the class and ease with which he handled the spinners was a treat. The flick off Piyush Chawla will forever remain in my memory. Add the crowd pressure and the occasion, it was a massive effort, and it looks like the former winners have unearthed a champion,” wrote Srikkanth.

The English wicket-keeper was bought by the CSK for Rs 1 crore in the IPL Players Auction in January. Earlier, Billings played for the Delhi Daredevils and ended up scoring 226 runs in ten innings which included a couple of the fifties.

Billings has been a part of the English Playing XI in 13 ODI’s and 17 T20I’s.

“Andre Russell played a knock that he alone is capable of, sadly there can be only one winner, and it had to Chennai. The teams that have batted first have had a distinct advantage, and that is robbing the event of some competition. I do agree there were a few out of the world chases but knowing what,” wrote Srikkanth.