CSK and KKR have a lot of similarities in terms of the organisation: Sam Billings

Sam Billings has opened up about the culture of Kolkata Knight Riders, the franchise which bought him for INR 2 crore in the IPL 2022 mega auction. The England international has so far lived up to the expectations as he has already played a couple of handy cameos. The wicketkeeper has also been pretty impressive with his glovework. As Billings has sealed his spot in the KKR line-up, he would be raring to make a significant mark this season.

Meanwhile, KKR is Billings’ third team in the gala league as he has represented Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in the past. Speaking of his tenure with all these teams, Billings said CSK and KKR have a lot in common in terms of culture. He also went on to hail KKR head coach Brendon McCullum for maintaining a positive atmosphere in the dressing room.

I really enjoyed my two years with CSK: Sam Billings

“Yeah, I think with the three franchises I have represented in the IPL, CSK obviously incredibly successful. Winning the IPL and also becoming the runners-up. Two years that I really enjoyed. KKR I think have a lot of similarities with CSK in terms of the organisation and consistency on and off the field,” Billings told NDTV.

“I think it plays a huge part in why both the franchises have been successful. Definitely think Brendon McCullum’s (KKR head coach) fresh positivity is something I have really enjoyed working with so far and definitely a different approach to most coaches which is really good to experience,” he stated further.

Billings further lauded McCullum for instilling confidence in players and endorsing a positive brand of cricket. “The good thing is we have gotten along really well. McCullum makes you feel confident as a player. I think that is such an important thing for any coach, to make players feel valued and have the backing from him so that you can play that attacking and positive brand of cricket.”

Meanwhile, Billings has so far slammed 80 runs in four games as KKR hold the pole position in the team standings with three wins. The two-time champions will next meet Rishabh Pant’s Delhi Capitals on Sunday (April 10).