Russell's absence is a worrying factor: Manish Pandey

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders will be pleased to rope in England all-rounder Chris Woakes and New Zealand pacer Trent Boult buying them at 4.2 crore and 5 crore respectively, but the cloud of worry still looms over their head in the face of Andre Russell.

The West Indies all-rounder has been an impactful performer and the most valuable player for the franchise and he will be missed, as KKR player Manish Pandey said. Russell has been banned for a year following his doping violation and he will not be participating in this years IPL.

“Russell has played a big role in some of the games. He’s been the match-winner for us for a long time. His absence would be a bit of worry for us,” said Pandey of Russell who returned with three man-of-the-match performances last season.

KKR have retained Russell even though there is uncertainty over his further participation, as most of the players will go back to the pool of selection. The two times IPL champion side have also bought Australian bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile.

“Woakes and Boult are really two nice players to come into the team. It will be a good help to have some allrounders. I think these two will make a lot of difference for us,” he said.

Manish Pandey will lead his state side Karnataka in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy and he will look to go all guns blazing in his familiar territory Eden Gardens.

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Apart from the big names, Gautam Gambhir led side has also fished in an unknown property from West Indies in Rovman Powell, Darren Bravo, Rishi Dhawan, R Sanjay Yadav, Ishank Jaggi and Sayan Ghosh. KKR have restricted their side to 23 men, whereas they had the liberty to enjoy a 27 players squad. Sunil Narine, Yusuf Pathan and Shakib Al Hasan are some of the names which may turn the table in KKR’s way in the upcoming IPL.