T20 World Cup 2024: Andre Russell begs Sunil Narine to play for West Indies

Kolkata Knight Riders' All-rounder Andre Russell has revealed that he tried to convince Sunil Narine to come out of retirement and play the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. 

Sunil Narine is currently the hottest and most in-form prospects in IPL 2024 season which has seen him find his mojo back after a few disappointing seasons. The right-arm off-spinner and left-hand batter has been in an incredible form with the bat this season and his role has been pivotal behind Kolkata's run-in to the IPL final for the first time since 2021. 

Last night at the Narendra Modi stadium (Ahmedabad), Sunil Narine turned up with another fiery knock. Even though he contributed just 21 runs in KKR's run-chase, Narine was responsible for giving his team a powerful start along with Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The Afghani wicket-keeper batsman was playing his first IPL 2024 match last night and scored 23 off just 14. 

What did Andre Russell say about Sunil Narine's T20 World Cup chances? 

While speaking to the commentators after Kolkata's dominating victory, Andre Russell revealed his chat with Sunil Narine regarding his international comeback. As we all know, Narine had retired from the international circuit last year after not playing a single match for the West Indies since August 6, 2019.

Sunil Narine's last international appearance had come against team India during a T20 match which the Indians had won by 7-wickets. Since then, the 35-year-old hasn't played a single game and it was in 2023 that Narine decided to call time on his international career. He only represents different franchises around the world. 

But given his form this year with both bat and ball, Andre Russell disclosed that he was trying very hard to convince Narine to come out of retirement. Russell feels that Narine should play for West Indies at the ICC T20 World Cup on home soil. And to make sure he does, the all-rounder had got into his head and asked him continuously to just appear for the T20 WC. 

Before the squad announcement, Russell along with Sherfane Rutherford, tried their best for 2 weeks but Narine didn't want to reverse his decision.   

"I definitely think so (to Narine playing at T20 World Cup). I was trying to get in his head before the squad was announced. For like two weeks straight, me and Rutherford kept talking to him and told him ‘hey please, just for this World Cup, then you can retire, do whatever you want to do’. I think he has made a decision and I respect his decision as well." - Andre Russell said in his post-match interview.  

Russell feels Gautam Gambhir is responsible for Narine's sensational form 

When asked about Sunil Narine's arrival in form at the IPL 2024, Andre Russell gave all the credits to KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir. The All-rounder hailed Narine for scoring nearly 500 runs despite being a main bowler before stating that Gambhir's backing worked wonders for the team. 

"I think getting close to 500 runs is no joke while being a premier bowler. You know, GG giving him an opportunity as well. That’s a good decision for the team." - Andre Russell concluded.