IPL 2019: Andre Russell thanks KXIP fielder who did not remain inside the circle

"It's the new guy, forgot his name."

Published - 28 Mar 2019, 12:53 IST | Updated - 28 Mar 2019, 12:53 IST

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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Andre Russell is in devastating form in this Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019. In both the games that he has played till now, he has mercilessly belted the bowlers besides chipping in with timely wickets to pick up the Man of the Match awards. The 30-year-old Caribbean hit a 17-ball 48 in the game against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday, followed by the 19-ball 49 not out against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the same venue on Sunday.

However, Russell was more fortunate in the game against the Kings as he was yorked by Indian pacer Mohammed Shami when he was on three. But Shami’s brilliant effort went in vain as the umpires called the ball an invalid one since the fielding team didn’t abide by the fielding rules. There were only three fielders inside the 33-yard circle when Shami bowled the delivery while there should have been four.

Russell, who was disappointed with his dismissal, got a rare life and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. In the next two overs, the KKR dasher went on the rampage, plundering 43 of the 47 runs scored. He was particularly ruthless against Shami who he lifted out of the park three consecutive times. Though Russell missed his half-century closely, he helped KKR register a match-winning score of 218 for 4 in 20 overs. The home team eventually won the match by 28 runs despite some late-innings flourish from the Kings batsmen.

Russell did not conceal his pleasure over the fact that he got a second chance to bat in the match. He even thanked the fielder who did not remain inside the circle in the post-match presentation and admitted that he was praying the ball to be called ‘no’ at that point of time.

“Thanks to that guy who was outside the ring. It’s the new guy, forgot his name. Thank you. When I got bowled, I thought I’d missed out but I saw the guys in the dugout signalling no-ball and I was like, please God, let it be a no-ball,” the all-rounder said in the post-match presentation.

Russell calls Gayle ‘the bigger legend’

Russell also did not forget to honour his compatriot Chris Gayle who he picked in the match to make it easier for the Knights. Gayle played a brisk knock in the controversial match against Rajasthan Royals to win the Man of the Match award and could give the KKR a tough time in the field but Russell ensured that it was not his day.

“Gayle is like a brother to me, the bigger legend. To get him out early was great,” the KKR cricketer said.