Virat Kohli turned towards stands and shouted come on: Andre Russell reveals how he got triggered to play his 13-ball 48 knock in IPL 2019

Since its inception, the Indian Premier League has dished out many enthralling encounters. Be it explosive batting show or lethal bowling display– the tournament has provided fans with many nail-biting encounters. Hence, the league has established its name as probably the biggest domestic league across the world.

The IPL has given birth to many exemplary stars. Be it Virat Kohli or Jasprit Bumrah– many Indian stalwarts have been a part of the league and have flaunted their expertise in the tournament. Current Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been associated with Royal Challengers Bangalore since the inception of the league. The right-hander has been a solid pillar of RCB’s batting depth and has delivered many match-winning performances for the Bangalore franchise.

However, Andre Russell, who was in sensational form in the previous season, revealed how he toppled Virat Kohli-led RCB to steer Kolkata Knight Riders to the victory in IPL 2019. Batting first in the match, RCB had smashed 3-205 in their quota of 20 overs and when Russell came to the crease, KKR needed 67 runs in 26 balls.

Andre Russell told Shubman Gill to give him strike as much as possible

Amid the run chase, one instance fired up Russell and it was Kohli’s celebration after dismissing Dinesh Karthik. Russell revealed, “He hit the ball, and he got caught (by Yuzvendra Chahal at midwicket). (RCB captain) Virat Kohli turned towards the stands where all the wives and KKR supporters were sitting, and he shouted something like ‘Come on!’”

After the departure of Karthik, it was Shubman Gill who joined Russell and the West Indies all-rounder said the young Indian batsman to give him as much strike as possible.

“When Shubman Gill walked out (at No.7), I said ‘hey listen, I’m gonna take down anybody that bowls. Anyone that comes on, I’m going to take them down tonight, so just try and give me as much strike as possible. He said– ‘anything you say a big man’,” revealed Russell.

“Every time I hit a six, I wasn’t even looking at the scoreboard, because sometimes you can get carried away with the crowd and everything. After I hit the ball, I would walk up to Shubman, we do a glove-punch, and I would go back to my crease and take as deep a breath as possible. That allows me to be calm,” he added.

Russell smashed 48 off just 13 deliveries– including 1 four and 6 massive sixes– to steer Kolkata Knight Riders to an enthralling five-wicket victory.

When Andre Russell showed Virat Kohli his place in IPL. pic.twitter.com/F6aWCqsHib

— Pinkman (@iamakshar_) May 3, 2020