Andre Russell says 160 was defendable at Eden Gardens in his team’s IPL match

West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell bowled a cracking last over defending 11 runs that capped off a memorable spell for him to gift his team Kolkata Knight Riders a win by 7 runs in the IPL match against Kings XI Punjab at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Batting first the hosts scored 164/3 which proved beyond the reach of the visitors by a narrow margin. He showed his class with the ball and produced a spell of 4/20 that sealed the match for his team. He said it’s the team’s calming reassurance that brings the best out of him.

“I think being comfortable knowing that I would play the next game, gives me a big confidence in terms of going forward. It boosts me a lot more,” Russell said after their win that dislodged Gujarat Lions atop the table on net run rate.

“If I was in a situation where I have to do well to play the next game, maybe I would worry about my game and would not perform the way I do. Knowing that I will play the next game, I’m confident. It does not matter if I make runs or take wickets, it gives me the confidence to go out there and do my thing. It’s reassuring to know that the coaching staff and the captain have the confidence in you,” he said.

“As a cricketer, I want to leave behind a legacy, set standards as high as possible. I love these challenges, enjoy bowling in the moments where I can win the game. If it goes the other way, I learn from it and take the positives. I enjoy workload and want to go from strength to strength. It’s what I really work hard for. I know my job is not easy, it’s very hard. Batting till the end and then bowling the first over, I don’t mind doing it,” he added.

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“At the end, I would really appreciate if I could get more time to bat. So be it, I’m just happy to be a part of this team. Wherever the skipper needs me to go bat and bowl, I want to give 100 per cent. I can’t complain. I don’t have problem batting the last five overs. No 7 is good enough for a T20 game. I’m a team man, I don’t mind 160-170 with five overs to go. Even I’m fine with 150 with five overs to go. That would give confidence to go from ball from one and try to get as much runs as possible for my team,” he said.

Russell further credited likes of head coach Jacques Kallis and bowling mentor Wasim Akram for his growth as a cricketer.

“To be around with the likes of Jacques Kallis and Wasim Akram, teach me a few things about bowling. It helps me to hone my knowledge in terms of batting and bowling. From playing in different parts of the world and in different tournaments. I try to learn as well. I look up to a lot more guys as key players. It gives me the confidence the way I perform at the moment. I’m just happy to be a part of the IPL and doing well. Once people know I can hit sixes and take wickets bowling fast, I would bring smiles on fans face. I do my best for my team,” he said.

Asked about Sunil Narine’s omission as their ace spinner was replaced by Brad Hogg against KXIP, he said the Trinidadian is nursing a finger injury in his bowling hand. Shah Rukh Khan came to see their match for the first time this season and Russell said the team co-owner had extended the team best wishes before the match.

Russell said, “He came to the team meeting, extended best wishes. He’s there to support us we win or lose. It’s a good environment. He’s such a big motivator.”

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