IPL 2019: When Andre Russell’s brutal power-hitting astonished MS Dhoni

Almost a year back on April 10, 2018, Andre Russell unfolded utter mayhem in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, popularly known as the Chepauk. The hulk-like Windies batsman was in a different zone that day, representing the Dinesh Karthik captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The right-hander ended up scoring 88 runs from a mere 36 deliveries.

En route the blistering knock, he clobbered one boundary and as many as 11 sixes. The knock took the Knights to 202 in 20 overs, though the visitors ended up losing the game by five wickets with one ball remaining. However, that knock is still etched in the memories and MS Dhoni, who was the Super Kings; captain that day, remembers every bit of the rather inhuman knock from the Jamaican.

Dhoni lauds Andre Russell

In his recently released documentary ‘Roar of the Lion’, the Jharkhand-born wicketkeeper expressed his astonishment over Russell’s brutal power-hitting prowess. “Kaun aisa banda hai jo itna 6 maarta hai?” (who else smashes those many sixes?),” the 37-year-old Dhoni was quoted as saying.

During that knock, Russell came to bat after the fall of the fifth wicket with the score at 89 in 10 overs. He shared a 76-run stand with Karthik and the latter had the best seat in the house as he saw Russell demolish the CSK attack. It goes without saying that Dhoni, standing behind the stumps, was a concerned lot as Andre kept muscling the cricket leather with sheer authority.

In the meantime, KKR also was happy with Dhoni’s words for Russell. The official Twitter handle for the Men in Gold and Purple mentioned that MSD’s praises mean the Knights’ batsman is really doing a great job. Moreover, it also showed excitement surrounding today’s match between CSK and KKR, the two table toppers in this edition’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

Here is KKR’s tweet

"Kaun aisa banda hai jo itna 6⃣ maarta hai?" – @msdhoni describes Russellmania 🔥

When the 👑#thala of 6s lauds you for your efforts, you know you're doing a good job! @Russell12A#CSKvKKR's gonna be such a⚡cracker!

উত্তেজনা তুঙ্গে #CantWait @ChennaiIPL#IPL2019 #Cricket #KKR https://t.co/qzR7OpHlTY

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 9, 2019

[interaction id=”5cab79054869a837e2d1f6bb”]

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.