Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Andre Russell played an amazing knock during match 15 of IPL 2021 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He was toying with the bowlers during his innings of 54 runs off just 22 deliveries at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Former KKR skipper and current commentator Gautam Gambhir said that Russell was batting so well that he could have won the game for the side. He added that the West Indian all-rounder also lost the opportunity to score a well-deserved century.
“The way he was hitting the ball, I’m sure, he knew deep inside that he had played for another four-five overs, he knew that an off-spinner would never come on to bowl till the time Russell was on the crease,” Gautam Gambhir told ESPNCricinfo.
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“He had already smashed them for 24 in the first over, so I’m sure on his way back to the dressing room, he must be thinking that he lost a golden opportunity to score his hundred and also to finish off his game on his own, by the 16th, 17th overs,” he added.
‘He must be regretting right now’: Gambhir
The Kolkata-based franchise lost the match despite brilliant power-hitting from Russell, Dinesh Karthik and Pat Cummins. Gambhir said that Dre Russ must have defended the ball on which he got out.
“You don’t get such opportunities often because you don’t really play much at the Wankhede. He was smashing it. I’m sure he must be regretting it. Had he just defended that ball, KKR would have probably won that game,” he concluded.
Kolkata is currently placed at the sixth spot in the Points Table with a solitary win in four matches. Their next clash is lined up against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 24 at the same venue.
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