Batting With Andre Russell Makes You Feel You're Watching Highlights On TV: Shubman Gill

Andre Russell is one of the great power hitters of a cricket ball in the current era. The West Indian all-rounder was at the peak of his powers during the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League where he shellacked bowlers in the death overs with death-defying ease.

Andre Russell’s modus-operandi while tackling the fast bowlers is simple. He stays deep in his crease; has a stable base, mobile hips, and absolute raw power.

So, what it is it like batting with the swashbuckling West Indian all-rounder. Shubman Gill, Russell’s teammate in the Indian Premier League was asked the same question by the KKR  social media handle.

With the proliferation of coronavirus putting the game on the halt, cricketers are using this time to interact with their fans on social media via the Question-Answer session. Gill did the same on Monday and he has answered a wide range of questions including the one from his franchise, who had asked him about his experience of batting alongside Andre Russell.

“Can you tell the fans about your experience of batting with Andre Russell #AskShubman @RealShubmanGill” Kolkata Knight Riders’ social media handle asked Gill.

To which Gill replied that from the non-striker’s end, it looked like he was watching the highlights on TV.

“From the nonstriker’s end, it was like watching the highlights on TV,” Shubman Gill replied.

Also Read: KKR Would Have Won More Titles Had Andre Russell Played Longer Under Me: Gautam Gambhir

Andre Russell and Shubman Gill shared a brilliant partnership during a KKR v MI game last season

Shubman Gill was alluding to the last year’s game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians where he and Russell shared a whirlwind 62-run-stand for the second wicket that propelled the Knight Riders to an eventual match-winning score of 2-232.

Batting first, KKR had got off to a brilliant start with openers Chris Lynn [54 off 29 deliveries] and Shubman Gill [76 off 45 balls] smashing 96 runs in just 9.3 overs. With Andre Russell in such brilliant form, KKR made a tactical move and promoted the West Indian to the No.3 spot post the dismissal of Lynn.

Russell then proceeded to shellack the Mumbai Indians’ attack to all corners of the Eden Gardens. He smoked a whirlwind 80 off just 40 deliveries- an innings which included six fours and eight monstrous sixes. Russell stayed unbeaten at 80 as KKR posted a humungous 2-232 in 20 overs.

But the game wasn’t done yet. Hardik Pandya matched Russell shots for shots and smashed an equally disdainful 91 off 34 balls but even that wasn’t enough as KKR romped home by 34 runs.

Watch the tweet here:

From the non strikers end, it was like watching the highlights on TV.

— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) April 26, 2020

Also Read: Shubman Gill Picks Sachin Tendulkar As One Retired Cricketer He’d Have Loved To Bat With