England wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings, who’s the part of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) led by MS Dhoni, recalled how his side has made the difference while lauding a couple of players. He is currently gearing up for the twelfth edition of IPL 2019 after joining CSK’s preparatory camp in Chennai.
The defending champions CSK had a remarkable run in 2018 before routing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) comprehensively by eight wickets and nine balls to spare at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
With crowd being electrifying in Chennai, Billings on similar sort of pattern is expecting the support, this year too, following massive support on CSK’s return in the eleventh edition of the IPL.
The jam-packed crowded has often been a fascinating thing for the players as well as fans in such competitive league.
IPL 2019: Chennai Super Kings rely on experience: Sam Billings
Pertinently, on different occasions, players one after another stepped up to deliver for the Chennai-based franchise.
Billings stressed upon the experience while adding he is expecting to be benefitted from it in pressure cooker situations.
“It’s about building upon that and getting better. There is a lot of experience in the camp and we will look to use that to our advantage and stay calm in pressure situations,” told CSK digital.
Interestingly, CSK has won seven out of 10 fixtures at home, which eases out a situation for the side which relies on experience in particular.
IPL 2019: Collective effort from CSK: Sam Billings
While reflecting on CSK’s third overall IPL title, Billing believes it was a combined effort from the players to excel in different conditions. He is expecting things on the similar ground in a bid to retain the crown.
“What stood out for me was that ours was a collective group effort. It was phenomenal how much of a team effort it was. Hopefully, more of the same this year,” Billings added.
The 27-year-old Billings, who is sweating out at the MA Chidambaram Stadium ahead of the IPL 2019, revealed the composed camp has dwelled into the nitty-gritty which has subsequently paved a way to their success in the domestic professional T20 league.
“It’s a pretty calm camp, knowing that we had success as a group and it is very much the same group,” Billing said.
The yellow brigade has weathered the criticism for giving preference to the players with age beyond 30.
However, Dhoni, who is an astute thinker of the game, he has utilized his resources to perfection.
Billings has praised Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson for CSK’s success in the previous season. With Dhoni’s calming influence, there’re certain players who live up to the expectations.
“Of course, there were a couple of standout performances like (Ambati) Rayudu’s consistency and (Shane) Watson’s brilliance. Although, actually, if you look at all the different games that we won, it was different players at different times stepping up,” Billings further said.
IPL 2019: Sam Billings hails CSK skipper MS Dhoni’s thought process:
In addition, Billings has spoken highly of Dhoni for bringing in calmness in the camp. He added the Ranchi star is a force to reckon. He has also praised Dhoni’s approach towards the game.
“His clarity of thought the whole time is astonishing, knowing what you need to do at that very moment and not get ahead of yourself. It feeds off to other players,” Billings added.
The veteran batsman Dhoni has further led his side to the glory after a two-year hiatus. CSK alongside Rajasthan Royals were barred for two years due to the IPL 2013 spot-fixing scandal.
Billings himself made IPL debut in 2016. In between, he has represented Delhi Capitals (DC) before joining the Super Kings camp. In 21 matches, Billings has amassed 334 runs at an average of 18.55. He slammed three half-centuries too with the best of 56.
Meanwhile, CSK will play a curtain raiser against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 23 in Chennai.