Russell has been in brilliant form for Kolkata Knight Riders All the Seasons, Also All-rounder has crossed 2,000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday.
Andre Russell appeared in hot form when KKR faced Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last game of IPL 2022 and registered a comprehensive win by 54 runs
Russell scored an unbeaten 49 off 28 balls to give KKR to depend 178 runs. He then took three wickets off the ball.
In a meeting on ESPNcricinfo, Shastri was asked the way significant Russell is to the Knight Riders’ season playoff possibilities.
He replied: “He is very important although it seems difficult [they’ll make it to the qualifiers]. I believe Andre Russell has done what he had to this season. Other players should chip in as well.”
“He isn’t Superman who’ll come through in every match. Others will have to do it. What Andre Russell had to deliver, he has already.”
One of the most dreaded all-rounders on the planet, Russell battled for consistency over the last two seasons. In 2022, he has amassed 330 runs at an average of 38.86 and a strike rate of 183.78.
“Their top order hasn’t given consistent starts. If you see Shreyas Iyer’s season as well, he hasn’t been able to be as consistent and convert as many 20s and 30s to big scores as expected.”
“Currently, all the pressure is coming on Russell in every game. How many matches will he win you by hitting those sixes? One man can’t do it alone.” said Ravi Shastri
Also In a video shared by Akash Chopra on his YouTube channel, he praised Russell’s all-round performance.
“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.” said Chopra
He said of Williamson.
“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.”
Chopra commented on the use of a spinner in the final over against Russell.
“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.”
Akshay Chopra said that KKR scored 177 runs due to Russell’s batting. He added,
“Russell made 49 runs in the last match as well 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.”
He added this,
“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.”