When Chennai Super Kings (CSK) last year played their only game at Chepauk, it was Sam Billings who was the hero of the game. Chasing 203 against Kolkata Knight Riders, Billings had stunned the management with his potential. He, however, couldn't continue it and was axed later, but the team CSK did go on to win the title. 

Billings, talking about last year's success, said it was the team effort which brought them the trophy. "What stood out for me was that ours was a collective effort," he said.

CSK had two consistent performers, Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson, he did give them special mention. "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 the different games that we won, it was different players at different times stepping up," Billings said.

The English cricketer hopes to repeat the same team effort they put last year this season as well. "It was phenomenal how much of a team effort it was. Hopefully, more of the same this year," he added.

Billings was retained by the CSK management for IPL 2019. Super Kings retained a total of 23 players, and he was among them. That surely has given him confidence.

"Continuity helps immensely, certainly as individual players, but also as a group, you grow in confidence knowing that people ultimately back you. It allows you to play with freedom and enjoy it," he added.

Talking about the main man of Chennai, MS Dhoni, the England batter revealed it's his calmness which keeps the thought clear. 

"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," he said.

CSK will start their season by facing Royal Challengers Bangalore on this Saturday at home ground.

(With PTI Inputs)