Kolkata Knight Riders‘ (KKR) assistant coach Simon Katich has hailed Andre Russell for his box office show in the ongoing edition of the IPL 2019. Meanwhile, Russell’s pyrotechnics has bagged him a couple of Man of the Match awards.
Furthermore, ahead of the Delhi Capitals (DC) game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Russell is listed third among the players with the most run scorers in the IPL so far. He has accumulated 159 runs in three matches. While averaging at 79.50, Russell has maintained his strike as whopping 248.44.
Former Australian veteran Katich has termed Windies all-rounder as a star player. With his medium-pace bowling, Russell has bagged five wickets while giving away 81 runs in his nine overs.
Since beginning their twelfth edition of the IPL campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Russell has done remarkably well with the willow in hand.
Apart from a blistering knock against SRH, Russell flayed Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) attack. He slammed 17-ball 48 with the help of five sixes and three fours. It’s evident that KKR has been banking on Russell.
However, Katich has ruled out the KKR’s over-reliance on Russell. He reckoned that Russell is a marquee player.
“He is a star player. No doubt about it. But there are other guys who have contributed from the other end,” Katich told ToI.
IPL 2019: Simon Katich is awe of Andre Russell’s dominance:
Former Australian batsman Katch revealed they have show faith in Russell and he has paid off in style.
Besides, Russell is the top-run getter for the Kolkata-based franchise. He added the knack of belligerent hitting makes Russell a major threat for the opposition.
“We trusted his (Russell) game. The only thing I spoke to him about was to stand for long in the middle overs. Because he is so powerful and the teams (opposition) are trying to shut him down back early in the innings,” Katich said.
Following helping his team with a six-wicket win, Russell has continued his prominent show to keep delivering for the KKR.
Katich while speaking about Russell’s technicalities has further suggested Russell to work on his ‘position’. The veteran cricketer added Russell has often loved to finish the game for his respective franchise.
“Russell does have a tendency to clear his front leg. I advised him to hold his position a little bit longer. He is working hard in the nets. He has been really focused and consistent. And He loves to play match-winning innings,” Katich added.
Meanwhile, KKR has won two games out of three so far. The two-time IPL champions will face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on April 5 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.