IPL 2016: Delhi Daredevils' Sam Billings keen to use IPL stint as a learning opportunity
During the previous two or three seasons, Delhi Daredevils had always been seen as one of the weaker sides in the IPL. However, they have turned their fortunes around magnificently this year and are one of the contenders for the title.
Delhi’s new entrant Sam Billings has lauded his team’s impressive run and wanted to keep the form going. Ahead of the Daredevils’ next match against Gujarat Lions, the 24-year old spoke about the excitement of being a part of the lucrative tournament.
When asked about their last encounter against the Lions which resulted in a one-run loss, Billings affirmed, “We had won our last game against KKR and we want to keep winning momentum going when we play against Gujarat Lions tomorrow. Morris had put Daredevils almost on victory position. We worked hard and now we are ready for tomorrow's game.”
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Eager to establish himself in the international arena, the England batsman was also delighted to tap into Daredevils Mentor Rahul Dravid’s vast reservoir of knowledge. He enthused, “It's a great learning opportunity to spend time with Rahul who always asks batsmen to use their footwork properly.”
Billings elaborated, “Your footwork has to be so good while playing against spinners in Indian condition and overseas young players can learn from Rahul how to use footwork while playing against spinners. And it's a great opportunity to learn from him.”
On his first tryst with the cash-rich league, the right-hander asserted, “It's pleasant to be part of IPL and a great experience playing at different venues on different pitches against quality players".
Delhi Daredevils boast of a strong pool of players to choose from and the rules allow only four overseas players to take the field. Billings noted, “You can not play with a same eleven every time. In different games we used different combinations, sometimes I have to sit out, sometimes other players have to sit out. We have a strong squad and have healthy competition among us.”