I have four packs so I’m working on the next two, taking motivation from UFC fighters to improve fitness: Andre Russell

Andre Russell has been with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since the 2014 season and is an invaluable asset to the franchise with his all-round abilities. After going through a lean patch last year, the 35-year-old has gotten himself off to a fine start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

KKR opened their campaign in IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday, March 23 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Dre Russ smashed an exhilarating 25-ball 64 not out, hitting three fours and seven sixes as the hosts recovered from 119/6 in the 14th over to eventually finish on 208/7. In the second innings, Russell bowled a couple of overs and picked up two wickets. He was fittingly adjudged Player of the Match after the Knight Riders won by four runs.

Russell said that he watched his old videos from the seasons where he had done well and figured out how clear he was in his head while facing each delivery. During the phase where he was struggling for runs, Russell noted that he was guilty of overthinking and putting himself under undue pressure.

"I have had some good seasons in the IPL where I smashed it all over. I watched those old videos and realised I was clear in my thoughts and clear in the whole mindset towards every delivery. [Lately], I allowed myself to be under pressure because I was thinking too much. Sometimes we players end up doing that if we are going through a bad patch. Even if you keep doing what you know, a failure comes. Even the best players fail. So it is all about the mindset and I am now clearer in my approach to every delivery," Russell was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

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Definitely being leaner and lighter is working for my body: Andre Russell

Russell said that he is taking motivation from the UFC fighters and working on his fitness with the IPL and the T20 World Cup 2024 in his sights.

"At the moment, I have four packs, so working on the next two. Definitely being leaner and lighter is working for my body and it shows in my performance as well. I like watching the UFC. To see those guys looking strong and lean is a motivation for me, so I set myself a goal. I know it is going to help in my cricket - bowling, fielding, and also in my batting," Russell stated.

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The Jamaican stalwart also mentioned the changes he has made to his batting technique and explained how they have helped him.

"I have made a few [technical] changes. I was batting in the nets in Abu Dhabi and Sunil [Narine] mentioned something to me as he was watching my technique. And I realised I was moving too much [forward]. So I worked on my stride towards the delivery," Russell said.

"Now having a short stride is working for me. When I look at most big-hitters, they don't really have a big stride. So that's one thing I have done and now I have a bit more time to play the ball. I think that is the one little tweak that I have done. I am trying to move as late as possible. I have good hand speed, so I try to depend on that and just use hand-eye coordination," he added.

Russell will be in action on Friday, March 29 when KKR take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The destructive batter has played some fine knocks and would be high on confidence after his match-winning effort in the last game against the Sunrisers.