England wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings looking forward to playing in the world’s one of the best competitions – Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 starting April 9.
Billings had been part of the Delhi-based franchise in 2016 and 2017, has hailed the atmosphere at the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) camp, as he is set for his third stint with the side in the upcoming IPL 2021 after he was brought by the franchise for his base price of Rs 2 crore in the IPL auction in February.
The right-hander has also played for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2018 and 2019 season and he has now very excited to be back in the IPL as well as back to Delhi outfits for the upcoming season in India.
Ahead of the upcoming IPL 14, the 29-year-old said he has improved a lot as a cricketer since he last played the Delhi Capitals and is ready to make a difference in the tournament.
Billings said, “My game has improved a lot since I last played for Delhi. Hopefully, we can kick on as a group and win the competition this year. It's great to be back at the IPL. There is a great group of players and the DC camp has been very welcoming. I am very excited to be here.”
The Englishman further added, “I love the IPL. It's one of the best competitions in the world and the buzz around the IPL is something that you can't get anywhere else in the world, so I am just looking forward to playing in the tournament again.”
In the IPL 2021, Rishabh Pant will captain the DC after Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of the entire season due to a shoulder injury and Billings recounted his first-ever experience of watching the latter.
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Billings further added, “I remember the first time I saw Rishabh play. We had a middle practice, and he was hitting bowlers like Chris Morris, Nathan Coulter-Nile, and a lot of other bowlers everywhere and then I asked Rahul Dravid (then Delhi franchise mentor), 'Who is this guy?'”
He signed off, “And now we all know who Rishabh Pant is and I actually said back then that he's probably the best young player I have ever seen. We have seen what he does on a regular basis in the India shirt and also in the Delhi shirt. I am really happy for him and he will go from strength to strength.”
Noteworthy, the DC will begin their IPL 14 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10.
(With PTI Inputs)
