Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League, hailed the former Chennai Super Kings batter Sam Billings. Ashwin revealed that the England cricketer is wealthy but stays grounded despite so much wealth. Billings hasn’t been able to cement his place in the IPL and managed just 503 from 30 matches at an average of less than 20. He represented Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament.

“He is not a normal guy and owns half of Kent. We have cooks and maids in our houses in India, but it is a big deal to have a chef at home in those countries. His house has separate people for housekeeping and laundry. He comes from that ground but is a simple guy,” Ashwin said.

Billings scored 56 runs off 23 balls in his opening match for CSK, but managed 52 runs in his next 9 games for the champion side and ended the season at an average of 13.50.

“He is hit in other formats and has done well in ILT20. I remember he was among the runs in a few games for Chennai Super Kings, but couldn’t be consistent, so he was out of the team,” Ashwin added.

“Only four overseas players are allowed in the playing XI, so they are always under pressure. If you don’t perform in two or three games, you will be out of the team,” he concluded.