Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra was full of praise for Andre Russell, who came up with an all-around performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Saturday.
Russell scored an unbeaten knock of 49 runs off just 28 balls to help his team post a par score of 177 runs after Shreyas Iyer won the toss and decided to bat first.
It was a must-win match for KKR and they were in some sort of trouble at 94-5 after 11.3 overs. However, Russell’s pyrotechnics was on display as he took the attack against the SRH’s bowlers. The right-hander also completed 2000 IPL runs with his fine knock.
Moreover, Russell became the fifth player in the IPL history to score more than 300 runs and pick at least 15 wickets in an IPL edition after Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo, Jacques Kallis (he did it twice), and Sunil Narine.
On the other hand, Russell also delivered the goods with the ball as he returned with impressive figures of 3-22 in his four overs. Russell dismissed Kane Williamson, Washington Sundar, and Marco Jansen. Thus, the all-rounder did everything his captain asked of him against the Orange Army.
Aakash Chopra said in the post-match presentation, “Andre in, ball out and then Andre in, batter out. I mean Andre Russell won the Russell vs Hyderabad match and he totally destroyed them. KKR are playing with just five bowlers but Andre does the bowler’s job as well and the batter’s job also. Andre Russell is absolutely gold dust.”
Former KKR batter heaped praise on Russell but questioned Kane Williamson’s captaincy as the New Zealander gave the final over to Washington Sundar, who conceded 20 runs.
“It has to be without doubt Russell. Andre did an amazing job. We praise Kane (Williamson) so much as a captain, that he is a strategist and understands the game very well tactically but two consecutive faux pas’ against the same team, they were not mistakes but faux pas.”
“You get Jagadeesha Suchith to bowl the last over once and the second time you get Washington Sundar to bowl and both times Russell is in front of you. You can get rid of the spinner’s over at any time but you are not able to do that, why I may ask.”
The renowned commentator added that KKR was able to post an above-par score of 177 runs because of Russell’s knock.
“Russell made 49 runs in the last match as well (against SRH) and here also 49 runs. He probably hit two sixes in the last over there and here he hit three sixes. The team reached 177 because of Andre Russell.”
“After that Russell comes to bowl, first dismisses Kane and then picks up two more wickets. He is simply phenomenal. They were 94/5 at one stage, he took them to 177 and then picks up three wickets as well.”
KKR will next face Lucknow Super Giants at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Wednesday.
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