Sam Billings Becomes CSK's New Superstar

It was the question which dominated the pre-game talk: who would replace Kedar Jadhav? Sam Billings got his chance and he took it with both hands, scoring 56 off 23 balls, as Chennai Super Kings beat the Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets.

This innings also put the English contingent’s time at the IPL back on track after a poor show from the big players.

The “Thambi SamBi” show

Sam Billings in action against Kolkata Knight Riders.

'Thambi', meaning little brother in Tamil, a name given to Billings by the Chennai fans, played a fantastic innings in a very tough situation. Chasing 203 to win, Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu scored 75 in the powerplay to give CSK a rollicking start.

Chennai lost their way to the Kolkata spinners and by the time Billings entered, Chennai were 101/3 in 11.3 overs, needing 102 in 51 balls at exactly twelve runs per over. What followed though was an onslaught from Billings.

With perhaps the best finisher in world cricket in MS Dhoni at the other end, Billings took centre stage. His 23-ball 56 contained two fours and five sixes and while Dhoni was struggling, Billings ensured CSK did not fall too behind the asking rate.

Billings was severe against Andre Russell and Tom Curran, and by the time he was dismissed, he had taken CSK very close to a win. If this is a prelude for things to come, CSK have unearthed a more than decent replacement for Kedar Jadhav.

Billings picks up England’s disappointing start to the IPL

Ben Stokes had a debut to forget for Rajasthan Royals.

English players came to the IPL with big reputations and sizeable price tags but the start to their respective seasons has been disappointing. In the opening match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, Mark Wood ended up wicketless and conceded 49 in his four overs for CSK.

Chris Woakes, playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore had a decent outing, though he could only make five with the bat, he picked up three wickets with the ball. He went for 36 runs in his four overs, a performance which can improve as things build up.

Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, bought for Rs. 12.5 Crores and Rs. 4.4 Crores respectively by Rajasthan Royals had a forgettable first outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Stokes was dismissed for five off eight balls and Buttler was cleaned up for six off nine balls.

Stokes went for 21 in his two overs and Rajasthan were comprehensively beaten. Tom Curran, making his debut for KKR against CSK, though picked up two wickets, went for 39 in his three overs at 13 runs per over.

Billings, a young batsman who would not have expected many opportunities, put in a Man of the Match performance and has turned the tide for English players too at the IPL. Will he build on this performance though remains to be seen.

What next for the English players?

Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler will have the chance to come back in form as Rajasthan Royals take on Delhi Daredevils in Jaipur tonight, five years since the Royals last played there. Jason Roy is not expected to play for Delhi, and Colin Munro should open for the Daredevils.

Tom Curran will look to be more economical in the future games for Kolkata Knight Riders

Chris Woakes and the Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Kings XI Punjab in their first home game of the season on April 13, Tom Curran and the Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 14.

Sam Billings and the Chennai Super Kings travel to Mohali to play the Kings XI Punjab in four days time.