Andre Russell felt “great” hitting those eight monster sixes against the Punjab Kings because he always knew what to do when he came in with KKR’s score of 51 for four. Russell scored an unbeaten 70 from 31 balls and what at one point looked like a tricky chase ended in anti-climax as the great Jamaican stretched the limits in the stands. “I feel great, this is why we are playing the game. In that position I know what I can do,” Russell said after the game.
Russell had indicated to his partner Sam Billings that once he’s warmed up, he’ll go for the shots.
“It was good to have someone like Sam who can pivot and help us get through the tough time. Once I started sweating I just said I’m going. I supported my ability and that’s what I did tonight . I’m happy to bring the team across the finish line.” The strategy was to avert Rahul Chahar’s spell, as left arm spinner Harpreet Brar didn’t seem threatening.
“I knew we were the two guys who were definitely going to look for a partnership. I said to Sam, ‘Listen, let’s play a few overs and see what happens.’ But we had to attack earlier because the orthodox left arm didn’t spin the ball and nothing happened.
“So we decided to take the lead from one side and get singles from the other. Chahar was bowling extremely well, it was also gripping. We didn’t want to take a lot of risk against him. We knew it would become easier. I’m going to say one (when asked how many he took out of the middle).” Russell doesn’t bowl much and also suffered a shoulder problem in the last game, but is happy if skipper Shreyas Iyer wants to.
“I’m happy to do what the team needs. I’m looking to bowl in death. If the captain wants me to throw one in power play, I’m more than happy to do that, but we have a good amount of bowlers we’ve got a couple of guys who can put one or two in there too.
“I know I won’t bowl four bowls in some games, but if I bowl at least two overs, I feel part of the game and I feel like an all-rounder. These things happen, some games will come easy and I can’t get a ball bowling.”
As you get older, you have to work harder on your fitness: Umesh
Umesh Yadav, who was a revelation this edition after playing two games in the past two seasons, said it is his work ethic that has kept him going.
promoted
“I have to work hard. Getting older and if you know when you only play one format, I try to bowl as much as possible. If someone gets better in training, they also do well in match.
“What’s happening now is because of what I’ve been practicing with my coaches. When you’re bowling at 140 km/h you have to be accurate, you have to bowl on the stumps.”
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