IPL 2021: Kolkata Knight Riders Coach Brendon McCullum Believes ‘Beyond 12 Overs’ Is Ideal Batting Position For Andre Russell

Andre Russell’s batting position for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021 has been a topic of discussion for many cricket fans and experts. While some believe that Russell should arrive at the crease in the end to give a great finish, others feel that arriving late does not give Russell enough time to settle on the crease. Now, Kolkata Knight Riders’ coach Brendon McCullum has revealed the ideal batting position for Andre Russell.

In the match against Delhi Capitals, Andre Russell arrived at the crease at no.6 batting position. Russell arrived at the crease in the 11th over and batted till the end. He smashed 45 runs off just 27 balls with 4 big sixes to take KKR to 154-6 batting first. However, it was not enough for KKR to pull a victory in the match as Delhi Capitals chased down the target in just 16.3 overs.

Brendon McCullum Reveals Ideal Batting Position For Andre Russell

Speaking to press after the match, KKR coach Brendon McCullum revealed that he and Russell decided about his batting position ahead of the start of IPL 2021.

“I had a conversation with Andre Russell at the start of the season. We looked at a lot of stats and numbers. Ideally, with the right platform, beyond 12 overs is what we agreed on. There are times when he has to come in earlier, like today.

“That allowed him to settle down slightly better, but he couldn’t play with the same freedom because we had fallen into a sort of a hole. But then he powered us to a competitive score,” Brendon McCullum, who has also represented KKR earlier, said.

McCullum also said that other KKR batsmen should provide a better platform to Andre Russell rather than asking too much from him.

“So it’s really up to the other guys to provide him with a better platform rather than ask too much from him. He was good tonight and in the last few games. So, looking at the few positives from this loss, his form is certainly one,” Brendon McCullum added.

So far, Andre Russell has scored 163 runs in 7 matches at an average of 27. However, he has a great strike rate of 155+ so far. He also smashed a fifty against Chennai Super Kings in a losing cause. With just 2 wins in 7 games, KKR holds the 5th spot in IPL 2021 points table. They will next face Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 3.