Off the Cuff with Sam Billings

An ardent Manchester United fan, Sam Billings was offered a trial by the Tottenham Hotspur FC at the Under-15 level. Luckily, the kid knew cricket was more his thing. A day after batting his IPL team Delhi Daredevils to a dominating win against Kings XI Punajb, the Englishman opened up to Cricbuzz about his love for FIFA and AB De Villiers, the new Hindi words he's been learning, his favourite sporting memory, his best friends in the IPL circuit and much more.

You've played a bunch of sports growing up. How and why did cricket win your heart?

Oh, I used to play a lot of sports, but cricket was always kind of my number one passion and the thing I knew best. So I decided to pursue that.

You were offered a trial for Tottenham Hotspur FC Under-15 side. What happened there?

I scored a hat-trick in an academy game (against them) as a 13 or 14-year-old and got offered an opportunity. But I went on with cricket instead.

What inspires you the most on a cricket field?

A win.

What's the strangest thing you've ever eaten?

A crocodile.. that strange enough?

Who was your sports hero growing up?

Still is. AB de Villiers.

What was that one advice you got, in your early days that helped you the most?

Be the hardest worker in the group.

Three things people don't know about Sam Billings?

I can do good Bhangra.

I'm getting equipped with Hindi.

I play a lot of Xbox.

Your favourite superhero?

The Ironman

Give the following people's biography a title:

1. AB de Villiers: An absolute sports freak, the best that ever played the game

2. Rahul Dravid: One of the nicest human beings in cricket with a forward defence to die for

3. Chris Morris: Tall lanky allrounder from South Africa who hits the ball like a golf shot

4. Joe Root: Cheeky Yorkshireman who will be one of the best England will ever have

What is that one thing you always have on you while travelling?

Xbox.. Fifa!

What was the last movie you watched?

Umm... we have a film night the other night.. yeah, Imitation Game.

Are you a video games, sitcoms or social media addict?

Fifa, Fifa, Fifa, Fifa, Fifa, Fifa Fifa... I love Fifa!

Any pet peeves?

People getting into your personal space.

You've been around this set-up, this same set of guys for a while now. What's the most annoying habit in this group?

We don't have one. We all get along pretty well and I think that'll show on the pitch.

What's the advantage of being at Delhi Daredevils?

You have the licence to play with freedom and we have the best fans around.

Who have you developed a friendship with in this unit?

Indian players - Sanju Samson and Karun Nair. And Khaleel Ahmed, he's an absolute comedian! And all the overseas guys are brilliant. Pat Cummins, I have played club cricket with in Sydney. Corey Anderson is a great man. Morris and of course the big man Carlos Brathwaite as well.

What is that one thing about your cricket routine that you dislike?

I don't. I like everything and that's how it works.

Do you know what's your highest score for Delhi Daredevils?

55 yesterday (April 16) against Kings XI Punjab! And there will be more by the end of this IPL.

Are you a reader?

Yes, I am. I've got to read more but I've got my Kindle. The last one that I completed was Bounced by Matthew Syed.

What are you most scared of?

Not doing myself justice on and off the pitch.

Your favourite pastime?

Playing golf.

Your favourite football club?

Manchester United!

What among (1) Leicester City winning the Premier League (2) West Indies treble last year (Men, Women's and U19 WC) and (3) Federer's 18th Grand Slam is your favourite recent sporting moment

Definitely not West Indies treble last year (laughs). Leicester winning the PL, no. Because I am a United fan but that was pretty good. So I'm gonna have to go with Federer's 18th Grand Slam. That man's a champion!

What is that one person's cricket retirement that you dread the most?

AB de Villiers (laughs)

What is that one game/innings that you can watch over and over again and never get tired of? Can be any other sport as well...

Man United vs Bayern Munich, '99 to win the Champions League. Un-believe-able.

If you could swap lives with a celebrity, who would it be?

David Beckham.

Are you a morning person or night?

No. Morning person definitely not. I like my sleep.

What is that one habit you want to give up?

Maybe playing too much Fifa late into the night.

A new word you've learnt on your trip to India?

Dil Dilli (Delhi Daredevils' tagline)