IPL 2019: Kolkata Knight Riders All-Rounder Andre Russell Reveals His Role Model

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Andre Russell has been in superlative form in this ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has single-handedly carried the Kolkata side on his shoulders with his powerful hitting.

So far, Russell has accumulated 312 runs from eight games at a strike-rate of 213.69. The Jamaican all-rounder boasts a staggering average of 78 and has also picked six wickets for his franchise. He has been a complete revelation for the Kolkata Knight Riders this season. However, Andre Russell sustained a neck injury ahead of the tie against Royal Challengers Bangalore and is running out of time to be fit for the game.

Russell runs out of time to be fit for RCB game

It will be a massive blow for Dinesh Karthik if the star all-rounder fails to make the cut for the game as the Kolkata-based franchise is in dire need to these two points. The last time Kolkata faced Bangalore in the first leg at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Andre Russell played a match-winning knock off 48 runs from just 13 deliveries to chase down 206 runs set by Virat Kohli & Co.

While Russell’s participation remains uncertain, the all-rounder has revealed where he draws inspiration for big hits. The Windies cricketer didn’t shy away from admitting that he is trying to follow the footsteps of his countrymen Chris Gayle. The Universe Boss who will retire after the ICC World Cup has been in a devastating form which has compelled him to rethink about his decision. Andre Russell noted that he is far from reaching the level that of Gayle but is climbing the ladders every day.

“I’ve always admired Chris Gayle, who continues to show that he’s the Universe Boss,” Russell said to The Telegraph. “I’m not at his level yet… However, I’m doing my thing and climbing up the ladder. But it’s Chris who is the man still and I’m just trying to follow in his footsteps. Chris knows what his strengths are and, indeed, plays to his strengths. He’s been hitting the ball so cleanly and so consistently. For years,” he added.

Chris Gayle, meanwhile, is plying his trade for the Kings XI Punjab in this edition of the Indian Premier League. Like always he has looked in excellent touch scoring 352 runs from eight games at an average of touch over 50. Kolkata will want Andre Russell to recover in time and be available for the selection and replicate his performance and help the secure the two crucial points.