File photo of Sam Billings© BCCI
England wicketkeeper batter Sam Billings announced on Monday that he would skip the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 to focus on longer-format cricket at the start of England’s summer with County Kent. Earlier this year, he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the mega auction and played eight games for the franchise, scoring 169 runs at an average of 24.14 and his highest score was 36.
Billings wrote on Twitter: “I have made the difficult decision that I will not be competing in the next IPL @KKRiders. I want to focus on longer format cricket with @kentcricket at the start of the English summer.”
In another tweet, he said: “Thank you so much for the opportunity @kkriders! Loved every minute of it. A great franchise with some brilliant people. Hope to see you in the future.”
Thank you so much for the opportunity @kkriders ! Loved every minute. A great franchise with some brilliant people.
Hope to see you in the future pic.twitter.com/hxVVXfRqEE
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) Nov 14, 2022
In his IPL career, Billings has played 30 games, scoring 503 runs at an average of 19.35, with his highest score being 56.
In the IPL, the righthanded batter represented Delhi Daredevils, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Billings has started late getting chances in the English Test lineup under the leadership of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.
promoted
He is often chosen as the backup wicketkeeper to Ben Foakes.
England’s next test assignment is against Pakistan where they will tour the country three times and this will be part of the World Testing Championship.
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