IPL 2017: Sam Billings credits Rahul Dravid for improving his game

What’s the story?

England wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings has credited his improvement with the willow to Rahul Dravid. Billings, who is playing his second season for Delhi Daredevils, further said that he underwent a lot of improvement in 2016.

"There is no doubt that in the last one year, the improvement (I have felt in my game) has been the biggest of my career. Getting to know your game in different conditions is always a learning experience.”

He also pointed out how IPL changed his game.

"Playing quality spin for six weeks (in the IPL), you learn a lot out of that. Anyway you are always looking to try to improve and perform. Of course, the schedule is hectic.

“Dravid is one of the best to have played the game. So there is lots to learn from him and even from Paddy (coach). It is always a great experience to pick their brains. It is a huge honour actually. You are always learning from people of that stature," he said.

In case you didn’t know...

Billings has opened in his last seven limited-overs matches for England, and that also includes three Twenty20 Internationals in India earlier this year. And based on his performance in that series, Delhi thought he could adapt to the role of an opener in the IPL too.

The Heart of the Matter

Talking of Delhi’s team composition, Billings said they have a well-balanced squad and losing the tournament opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore was disappointing. He also added that team not only has a good pace attack, but also has quality spinners in Jayant Yadav and Shahbaz Nadeem.

What’s next?

The Delhi Daredevils will take on the Rising Pune Supergiant tonight at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. After losing to Royal Challengers Bangalore in their last game, despite Rishabh Pant’s heroics, Delhi’s batting department will have to pull up their socks in order to get the better off an upbeat Pune.

Author’s Take

Rahul Dravid has been working hard behind the scenes to improve the youngsters’ game. The Delhi team comprises of a majority of youngsters, who have time and again credited Dravid for their better performances. From Shreyas Iyer, to Sanju Samson and Sam Billings, Dravid has played a major role in transforming the careers of these youngsters.