IPL 2019 | Just over 200 runs would’ve seen us on losing end, says Andre Russell
Andre Russell is of the opinion that posting just over 200 runs as the target wouldn't have been enough for Kolkata Knight Riders to beat Mumbai Indians. Dinesh Karthik admitted that he was aware of the backbiting going on around his side and urged for the need to stay healthy amidst all this.
After losing six matches on the trot, KKR finally managed to break the jinx with a brilliant batting display against big boys Mumbai Indians that saw Shubman Gill, Chris Lynn, and Andre Russell, all getting over the 50-run mark to post a mammoth target of 233 in 20 overs.
After a great start by Lynn and Gill, which helped KKR keep a run rate of over 10 throughout the first innings, the hosts needed some late fireworks from their hard hitter to take the match beyond doubt. And Russell did exactly that by hitting 14 off the last over of Lasith Malinga. He later stated that just reaching 200 wouldn’t have been enough for the side.
“We needed to get 200-plus but getting 230 was just enough. If it was just over 200 we would have been on the losing end. We kept our heads calm under pressure and executed our plans well,” said Russell after the match, reported Cricbuzz.
Scoring 80 off 40 balls at a strike rate of 200, Russell hit six boundaries and eight sixes. He took his tally of sixes in this tournament to 50 with it and went on to explain his technique behind the relentless slaughter this season.
“Hand-eye co-ordination, a good bat speed and balance is important. I generate a lot of power from the shoulders and core. Everything works together. You need to make sure your body is fit and strong in order to play those upward shots in those moments. When the bowler is trying to outsmart you with a wide or slower ball. That shot was a surprise for me as well (the one I hit over covers)… One of my best T20 days, definitely,” added Russell.
It was an important match for skipper Dinesh Karthik, who has come under fire for an underwhelming season despite an unbeaten 97 in the last match. And prior to the Mumbai Indians match, Russell’s controversial comments on team mentality had raised a different storm altogether. However, the skipper reiterated the need to stay positive after an encouraging win that gives KKR a late, narrow chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
“I think at the end of the day you should make sure your process is right. It might sound cliche but it's a high pressure sport. You gotta make sure everybody is in great space as it's such a high octane tournament. You need to stay healthy as a lot of back biting can happen in these types of situations and I am very aware about it,” said Karthik after the match.
“At the end of the day, it's a game, you need to keep a smile, you need to be nice to others and you need to be happy. It shouldn't be like that guy played so bad. I am aware about it. It's hard work, it was a flat wicket and they came out all guns blazing."
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