IPL 2018: Sam Billings Grateful to Chennai Super Kings for Big Opportunity

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) English pick Sam Billings expressed his gratitude to all the fans and team management in particular for giving him an opportunity to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL), as he sets to return to his country.

Although Billings didn’t feature in the playing XI, he utilised his opportunity whenever he got one. He played some good hand in the middle-order and was outstanding on the field.

Meanwhile, Chennai defied criticism to win the title for the third time after coming out from two years of suspension. Experienced all-rounder Shane Watson struck a brilliant unbeaten century to guide his team to the title.

Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu also provided good support playing a second hand to Watson. Watson remained unbeaten on 117 runs from 57 balls with the help of 11 boundaries and eight sixes.

Previously, Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Kane Williamson got Hyderabad to a good start after losing the early wicket of Shreevats Goswami.

Both added 51 before Dhawan departed, however, Williamson (47) continued his outstanding form.

Further, Yusuf Pathan played a major role after he came to the crease at the score of 101 for three. Pathan remained unbeaten on 45 runs from just 25 deliveries including four boundaries and two sixes, as Hyderabad finished on 178 at the loss of six wickets.

Chennai sailed their way to the target with nine balls to spare.

Billings grateful to the Super Kings:

England player played some crucial knocks for CSK in this edition of the league. He played a beautiful knock of 78 runs – to see his team through in one of the league games.

However, Billings left an emotional message before leaving for his country. He thanked all his fans and teammates for all the love and support.

Meanwhile, this will be a learning curve for the young batsman Sam Billings who will fly back with a whole lot of experience.

“Incredible couple of months @iplt20 @chennaiipl ! So many different experiences along the way and plenty of lessons learnt personally. So grateful for this awesome opportunity to grow as a cricketer and as a person; very lucky. Finally, the love and support shown by the Chennai fans and cricket fans around India has been remarkable. Thank you,” the post read.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sam Billings (@sambillings)

Also read: Rashid Khan is a world-class player: Kane Williamson