IPL 2019: KKR all-rounder Andre Russell reveals the cricketer he admires

For many, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) giant hitter Andre Russell is a role model after his consistent muscular batting this year. The West Indian has been carrying the KKR single-handedly on his shoulders and after three consecutive defeats in Indian Premier League (IPL) 12, Dinesh Karthik’s side is, even more, looking up to him despite his injury problems. The KKR will be playing Royal Challengers Bangalore in a crucial game at the Eden Gardens on Friday and another loss could see them seriously slip out of the race for the playoffs.

Russell has scored 312 runs for eight games so far in this IPL but what has stood out is his staggering strike rate of 213 plus. His performance of hitting 48 not out in 13 balls in the earlier game with the RCB will still worry Virat Kohli ahead of the return clash while the KKR supporters will pray that the all-rounder quickly turns fitter to resume with the slam-banging.

Russell ‘climbing up the leader’

Meanwhile, the 30-year-old cricketer revealed the name the cricketer he admires and it is none other than his fellow Jamaican Chris Gayle, who is also batting decently in this IPL despite touching almost 40. Russell said he is trying to follow the footsteps of Gayle who said he would retire after the World Cup but thought of reconsidering his decision after batting with devastating effect against England recently. A modest Russell said he is yet far from reaching Gayle’s level but conceded that he is climbing the ladder every day.

“I’ve always admired Chris Gayle, who continues to show that he’s the Universe Boss,” Russell was quoted as saying by The Telegraph. “I’m not at his level yet… However, I’m doing my thing and climbing up the ladder. But it’s Chris who is the man still and I’m just trying to follow in his footsteps. Chris knows what his strengths are and, indeed, plays to his strengths. He’s been hitting the ball so cleanly and so consistently. For years.”

KKR will play Gayle’s Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Mohali on May 3.

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