English wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings, the captain of Oval Invincibles, the defending champions of The Hundred Men’s Competition, is a happy soul. He is currently leading his team in the 100-ball cricket tournament that takes place every summer in England and Wales, with men’s and women’s competitions running simultaneously. His team has made a good start, notching up four wins from the five games they have played. Ahead of their Thursday game, the 34-year-old took out some time to chat with t2 on how the tournament, which started in 2021, has grown, what it means for women’s cricket, and why Mahendra Singh Dhoni remains an idol.
What do you think has been the reason behind the success of The Hundred?
Firstly, the impact it’s had on the women’s game, certainly in this country; it’s moving forward at a great pace. And I think to showcase two games on the same day, the women’s game first and then the men’s games afterwards, has been fantastic.
We’ve seen so many girls come to the grounds. We’ve seen the crowds have been fantastic for both of the games as well. I think that’s been one of the strong points of the tournament so far.
It has exposed and given domestic players in this country a taste of what it’s like to play in franchise tournaments around the world... the closest thing to international cricket, packed stadiums every single game. The quality of competition has been phenomenal.
Thirdly, I think the nuances are very different or slightly different to T20 cricket.
And certainly, as a captain, my captaincy, my decision-making has definitely improved.
You’ve played in IPL also, and were a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders. What are your memories of IPL?
I love the IPL and I love playing in India. It’s a very special place, so passionate about the sport. There’s no place like it to play cricket in the world.
I played three years at Delhi (Delhi Capitals) over two stints. Played one year at Calcutta and I played two years at Chennai (Chennai Super Kings). And obviously winning the IPL with Chennai… two incredible years there. I loved my time with Calcutta as well. I have really fond memories of all three franchises. The most special for me has been winning the IPL with Chennai as a very special kind of group... a very special environment to be a part of playing with (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni and all the stars that we had there, playing 10 games in the title-winning season was amazing.
Who are some of your cricket icons from the past and present?
I’m very lucky. I think every team you play in, you make friends for life. During my first IPL, I became really good friends with Karun Nair, keeping contact with him a little bit. Seeing that first Delhi dressing room I was a part of... Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Karun Nair....
We had a brilliant group of players who were all of a similar age. Then obviously Pat Cummins was someone who I’ve been a really a good friend of since age 19. We’ve been great friends playing club cricket in Australia.
And then IPL. It’s endless, but definitely to play with Dhoni was very special. Someone I idolised as a wicketkeeper growing up.
(Ravindra) Jadeja was a great character, someone whom I enjoyed spending time with. Where do you stop? Shane Watson… so many.
Do you have anything from India in your house at the moment?
I’ve got lots, but the IPL medal is still very much cherished. I’ve got a room at my parents’ house, a spare bedroom, which is just full of kit. I’ve still got all my old kit from all of those places. I’m sure I’ve got plenty of mementoes around.
Watch The Hundred 2025 (Men’s) Oval Invincibles vs. Trent Rockets on August 21, 11pm onwards (IST). Live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi)