Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has praised Windies recruit Andre Russell, who is representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2019). So far, the star cricketer Russell has bagged two consecutive Man of the Match awards for winning straight games against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Srikkanth has referred Russell as the Twenty20 specialist.
In Knight Riders’ opener against SRH Russell not only scored 19-ball 49 but he has bagged two wickets while giving 32 runs in three overs.
Again while banking on the all-round show, lucky Russell got a reprieve when he was batting on three off five deliveries.
In the second game, Russell has blasted 17-ball 48 with the help of five sixes and three fours.
The Kingston-born Russell has scored at the strike-rate of 282.35.
Thus, he has pushed his team total to 218 for four. In response, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) has managed to score 190 for four.
IPL 2019: Andre Russell is a brute force –
In a thrilling contest, Knight Riders won the game by six wickets while overhauling the target of 182 in 19.4 overs.
The Caribbean all-rounder Russell is considered as the most valuable cricketer in the shortest version of the game.
The 59-year-old Chennai-born Srikkanth cited that Russell is not a single-match winner. He added Russell as a power-hitter has made it somewhat a norm.
“Andre Russell cannot be termed a freak one-match magician anymore. He has turned games on their heads far too regularly,” Srikkanth wrote in his column for the ToI.
Srikkanth further reiterated the aggressive brand of cricket with the advent of T20 fold has made everything possible on the field.
“The shortest format is also the one that throws every possible logic out of the window. How else can one explain a solitary batsman, consuming only 20 deliveries, making up for the mistakes of all his teammates?” Srikkanth added.
20-ball hundred is on the cards: Kris Srikkanth:
In addition, Srikkanth has talked to length and breadth regarding the T20 cricket. He has warned the opponents to be aware of Russell, who’s all the potential to slam 20-ball hundred.
Also, he has hailed Russell for his acrobatic fielding which somehow has made the difference in the recent past.
“Opponents have to keep in mind that a 20-ball half-century is on the cards whenever he walks out to bat. Add his exceptional use of the short ball and razor-sharp fielding. And he is the most valuable T20 player going around,” Srikkanth stated.
Meanwhile, Kolkata will take on hosts Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on March 30 (Saturday 30).