IPL 2018: Andre Russell thanks Kolkata Knight Riders for retaining him

Windies all-rounder Andre Russell has been the nucleus of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) side in the Indian Premier League (IPL) apart from fellow spinner Sunil Narine and skipper Gautam Gambhir. As KKR revealed the names of the players they had opted to retain for IPL 2018, a lot of fans were surprised.

The Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise opted to retain the overseas players over someone like skipper Gautam Gambhir. Various reports suggested that the Knight Riders skipper wanted to return back to the team where he started his IPL career- Delhi Daredevils.

However, it has to be said that the franchise has made an excellent decision retaining the duo, among their other key players. Russell did not take part in the 2017 edition of the IPL, as he was banned for a year failing due to doping norms violation. They took a cut worth 8.5 crore from their purse and will pay him 7 crore.

KKR makes the Windies duo their priority:

Narine, on the other hand, played a key role in Kolkata’s campaign last season opening the batting. He is not only a bowler who picks them the wickets but is also the pinch hitter in the team now. Australian batsman Chris Lynn has done wonders for them and it is said likely that the franchise would pick the explosive batter with the Right To Match card (RTM).

Part-time singer, full-time entertainer! ??
When @Russell12A is on song, there are very few who hit the ball as cleanly as he does. ?

THE VERSATILE ALL-ROUNDER IS A KNIGHT, AGAIN! Welcome back! ?#AmiKKR #KorboLorboJeetbo #VivoIPLRetention #Retained pic.twitter.com/GqHaYdspDn

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 4, 2018

To announce the retentions to their fans KKR tweeted- “Part-time singer, full-time entertainer! ??
When @Russell12A is on song, there are very few who hit the ball as cleanly as he does. ? .THE VERSATILE ALL-ROUNDER IS A KNIGHT, AGAIN! Welcome back! ?”

Russell thanked the franchise for showing trust in him and retaining him for the upcoming season. “Big thanks to my #KKR family for the support! Great to be back with @KKRiders #AmiKKR in 2018 ??”

Big thanks to my #KKR family for the support! Great to be back with @KKRiders #AmiKKR in 2018 ??

— Andre Russell (@Russell12A) January 4, 2018

KKR team CEO, Venky Mysore replied to the star cricketer and wrote: ” Superman! Can’t wait to see you back in #Purple&Gold”

Superman! Can’t wait to see you back in #Purple&Gold

— Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore) January 4, 2018