Andre Russel aiming to make a comeback with a bang

West Indies star all-rounder Andre Russel was banned for a year after he was found using a banned substance. The doping ban didn’t let the player take part in last year’s Pakistan Premier League (PSL) but according to the all-rounder, he is now raring to go and join his team Islamabad United. According to Russel, It was very tough for him to watch his side play and despite being fit he was unable to join them because of the ban. “It was very hard to watch the matches, not injured, fully fit but unable to play,” the all-rounder said.

Learned a lot while being out because of ban: Russel 

However, the Jamaica-born player was quick to mention that he did not waste his time while serving the game but learned a lot by watching the things from outside. “I’ve been watching a lot of cricket since, I’ve learned a lot, I got to understand a lot of cricket. I got to analyze the game more, by watching from the outside,” said 27-year-old player.

Islamabad United had won the first season of the PSL where Russel had played a very vital role. He had picked up 3 wickets in the final. Russel mentioned that he always looks for the wicket and while in the field If he manages to take a catch or run out, It’s a bonus for him. “I always look to get wickets, make a lot of runs. If I take a brilliant catch in the field or make an [outstanding] run out, that’s a bonus,” he added.

The side has 43-year-old Misbah-ul-Haq as their captain along with Waqar Younis has joined the side as a mentor. Likes of Alex Hales, Sam Billings, and his West Indies teammate Samuel Badree will be the star player along with the Pakistani players in the form of skipper Haq, Sahadab Khan, and Rumman Raees.