The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is the front runner to qualify for the playoffs. One of the reasons why that is expected, is the hard-hitting West Indian all-rounder, Andre Russell.
Russell has been a staple for KKR throughout the franchise’s history. He is known for his brutal and fearless batting style. Russell can bowl effectively both during powerplay and death overs. And not to forget his athletic fielding.
The Knight Riders have made significant changes in their coaching panel with former KKR player, Brendan McCullum as the head coach. The franchise has also added T20 veteran David Hussey as a mentor and Kyle Mills as bowling coach. McCullum is known both for his aggressive batting and style of captaincy. His dynamic style of captaincy skyrocketed the New Zealand team to the World Cup 2019 finals.
The coaches want to promote Russell at No 3!
David Hussey believes McCullum will use such bold decision making in his coaching style as well. He says both him and McCullum are looking forward to promoting Russell at No 3 in the KKR batting line-up. Hussey claimed this will allow Russell to play more deliveries and if he gets a chance to play around 60 balls, he can even score a double hundred.
“If it benefits the team and helps us win games of cricket, why not? If that means Andre Russell comes in at three and bats 60 balls, he might actually make a double hundred. Anything can happen with Dre Russ,” Hussey said in a news conference.
“[Russel is] A fantastic player, he is probably almost the heartbeat of the team as well. We’ve actually got really a well-balanced team… Anyone can bat in any different position. But if it benefits the team, why not, why can’t he bat up the list.”
Russell showed sublime all-rounded performance last year when he scored 510 runs at an average of 56.66 and also picked up 11 wickets. Hussey also said they have the likes of Eoin Morgan and Dinesh Karthik to play the anchor role.
KKR is also famously known for using spin bowler Sunil Narine as a pinch hitter by promoting him to open. They will start their IPL 2020 campaign against Mumbai Indians on September 23.
Do check out –
