Andre Rusell, Jacques Kallis, IPL 2019
Photo by Saikat Das /SPORTZPICS for BCCI

Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Jacques Kallis has stated that Andre Russell will bat up the order if the situation demands. Russell had shown dissent after he had made a blistering knock of 65 runs off just 25 balls with the help of two fours and nine sixes against RCB. Russell had batted at number six and KKR had lost that match by 10 runs. Consequently, Russell had said that he would have liked to bat up the order.

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On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Dinesh Karthik gave a different statement altogether. Karthik said that Russell had come to the crease when 30 balls were left in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Furthermore, Karthik had stated that Russell is happy with his batting position. However, Russell had given a totally different statement in the post-match press conference.

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IPL 2019: Andre Russell Will Bat up the Order If Situation Demands - Jacques Kallis
Andre Russell (Credits: IPL)

Russell was not happy with his batting position.

Meanwhile, Jacques Kallis has confirmed that Russell will get a chance to bat up the order if the situation arises. Russell has been in sublime form in the ongoing season as he has amassed 392 runs at an average of 65.33. In fact, Dre Russ has scored his runs at a staggering strike rate of 217.78. Thus, Russell has been a lone warrior for the two-times champions.

“It certainly hadn’t been one of our plans but if the situation arises then it’s something we’ll think of. It’s a matter of what the team needs in such a situation and what the captain and management come up with, and we feel where each player is suited to play.”

“But as I said, if a situation arises where Andre or someone else can come up the order, we’ve got to perhaps try one or two things a little differently,” ESPN Cricinfo quoted Kallis as saying on Tuesday.

On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders have lost their previous five matches. They played their last match against SRH on 21st April and will now play their next match on 25th April. Kallis believes it is a welcome break for the side.

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KKR got a three-day break.

“We felt that the guys needed a break. They were given the freedom to do what they want for the next couple of days. It has been a disappointing couple of games for us, so we thought that guys can go away and do what they want.”

“They could go home if they wanted to, and some guys felt they wanted to get a little practice which they couldn’t get here, so they went to Mumbai. Our practices here are optional, so it’s just about getting guys refreshed and mentally up for the game,” Kallis said.

Kallis believes that the bowling line-up hasn’t been to the mark. The former talisman all-rounder believes that the team hasn’t been able to pick up wickets at regular intervals, which has been their Achilles Heel.

Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis. Credits: BCCI

KKR has scalped 34 wickets in 10 matches.

“The frustrating part of this season has been not taking wickets and if you don’t take wickets upfront you are under pressure for the whole innings,” Kallis said.

“I think we’ve probably taken 20-21 wickets in ten games, which has put us under a lot of pressure. Yes, your bowling unit is going to be under pressure, you can’t quite be as attacking, you almost have to be defensive when there are wickets in hand. So yeah, the key for us is taking more wickets upfront, and making life a little easier in the middle and end period,” he added.

KKR will take on Rajasthan Royals on 25th April at their own den of Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

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