For many years, Andre Russell has been a prominent figure in the Kolkata Knight Riders lineup. But Russell doesn’t have a very good time in the Indian Premier League 2021. He suffered a hamstring strain during the matchup involving KKR and CSK at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, forcing him to miss the game. Here we have discussed about Russell Joins KKR.
Following the selection of Tim Southee and Tim Seifert by KKR, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan was brought in as a substitute. The Tigers’ all-rounder has looked impressive, bringing up 2 wickets at reasonable economy rates. Meanwhile, Russell is getting ready to return from his injury break. He shared a video on Insta to deliver a powerful message.
Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has stated that the Knights should not restore Russell to the playing XI if the Jamaican is unable to bowl. Gambhir, who led KKR to IPL championships in 2012 and 2014, stated that Shakib has done nothing to deserve to be sacked in the upcoming.
If Russell doesn’t bowl he doesn’t come into the lineup: Gambhir
The Delhi-born legendary cricketer also believes that KKR cannot afford to “walk on the edge” and trust on part-timers Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana in the playoffs.
“No, if he doesn’t bowl, he doesn’t come in. What wrong has Shakib done? For me, if Russell is fit and he’s willing to do deliver in both the departments, batting, and bowling, I’d pick him. But if he says that he can only bat and can’t bowl, then I’d probably go with Shakib because you need the sixth bowling option against a batting lineup like RCB,” said Gambhir.
The Delhi-born legendary cricketer also believes that KKR cannot afford to “walk on the edge” and trust on part-timers Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana in the playoffs.
Russell has just 183 runs across 10 games in the IPL 2021, with an avg. of 26.14 and a strike rate of 152.50. His best half-century was achieved against the CSK at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Russell has taken 11 wickets with the ball at an average rating of 9.89. KKR defeated the Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs on Thursday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
