KKR brings the best out of Russell

If he’s not scoring, he’s making the difference with his bowling and fielding and Kolkata Knight Riders star West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell says it’s the team’s calming reassurance that brings the best out of him.

Needing 11 runs to defend in the last over, Man of the Match Russell (4/20) claimed a wicket and ran out Axar Patel, who was looking to spoil KKR’s homecoming with a seven-ball 21 that included two sixes against the Jamaican, to seal a close seven-run win.

“I think being comfortable knowing that I would play the next game, gives me a big confidence in terms of going forward. It boosts me a lot more,” Russell said after their win that dislodged Gujarat Lions atop the table on net run rate.

Having scored a crucial 24-ball 39 in their win over Royal Challengers Bangalore, Russell was run out for 16 last night as KKR were restricted to a modest 164/3 after skipper Gautam Gambhir (54) and Robin Uthappa (70) put on their season’s highest 101-run opening partnership.

“If I was in a situation where I have to do well to play the next game, maybe I would worry about my game and would not perform the way I do. Knowing that I will play the next game, I’m confident.”

Less than a day after joining the team after a long flight, the West Indies World T20 winner had given it a winning start in the ongoing IPL when his 3/24 set up a nine-wicket win over Delhi Daredevils who were skittled out for 98.

“As a cricketer, I want to leave behind a legacy, set standards as high as possible. I love these challenges, enjoy bowling in the moments where I can win the game. If it goes the other way, I learn from it and take the positives. I enjoy workload and want to go from strength to strength.”

Russell said he did not mind batting in the death but would like to get more overs in the middle.

“At the end, I would really appreciate if I could get more time to bat. So be it, I’m just happy to be a part of this team. Wherever the skipper needs me to go bat and bowl, I want to give 100 per cent. I can’t complain.”