Andre Russell most valuable T20 player, says Krishnamachari Srikkanth

03/29/2019

Krishnamachari Srikkanth has singled out Jamaican all-rounder Andre Russell as the most valuable player in the T20 format thanks to his big-hitting coupled with his accurate bowling and athletic fielding. He has also stated that the KKR player’s consistency makes him even more dangerous.

All-rounder Andre Russell had a big role to play in Kolkata Knight Riders’ twin victories in as many matches. He smashed an unbeaten 49 off just 19 deliveries against Sunrisers Hyderabad to take the match away from them. Even the Kings XI Punjab bowlers received the same treatment as he blasted them to score 48 in 17 deliveries, after receiving a lifeline when he was at five off seven. Not only that, he even scalped two wickets each in both the matches which adds to his athletic fielding, which prompted former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth to opine that the West Indian is the most valuable T20 player.

"The shortest format is also the one that throws every possible logic out of the window. How else can one explain a solitary batsman, consuming only 20 deliveries, making up for the mistakes of all his teammates? Andre Russell cannot be termed a freak one-match magician anymore. He has turned games on their heads far too regularly. Opponents have to keep in mind that a 20-ball half-century is on the cards whenever he walks out to bat. Add his exceptional use of the short ball and the razor-sharp fielding and he is the most valuable T20 player going around," stated Krishnamachari Srikkanth, reported TOI.

The West Indians have taken a liking to the format, and are known for their towering sixes. Chris Gayle is a legend in the shortest format, having scored 12417 runs in 343 matches, all around the world. Sunil Narine has 360 wickets to his name in the format and is even used as a pinch hitter by his franchises. Kieron Pollard has amassed 9063 runs and taken 261 wickets in the format. Their records speak for themselves, and Srikkanth feels that these players have been the difference for their franchises.

"The role of the impact player has grown. T20 cricket is all about one rollicking innings or an incisive two-over spell that can win a game. Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Pollard and Russell are all players who have done great service to their respective franchise by pulling them out of the woods with their exploits. It should come as no surprise that the teams that go on to do well in this edition of the IPL will have their impact players doing well. The tournament is warming up nicely and we have all been witness to some good cricket already," added the 1983 World Cup winner.

Rajasthan Royals will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in today’s encounter, as both the teams will be looking to register their maiden win in the tournament. The Royals rely heavily on their overseas recruits Jos Butler, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Steven Smith to win them matches and the Sunrisers’ are no different as they will be expecting the likes of Rashid Khan, David Warner and Kane Williamson to fire big.

"Former champions SRH should start as favourites against Rajasthan. SRH proved how bowling strength alone can carry a team to the final (in 2018). The only issue I see here is the dependence on Rashid Khan, which is growing by the day. An off day for Bhuvneshwar Kumar means all the other bowlers are under the pump straight away. The batting is no different. It will be interesting to see how they shape up on days David Warner fails. If these three are on song, SRH look an unbeatable bunch. At the same time, they have other players who can step up as well. It will be good for the team if they can put their hands up and be counted. Rajasthan are not very different. Jos Buttler seems to be holding all the aces. In the final analysis it could boil down to how well the others bat around him. It will also be interesting to see what kind of pitch the game is played on," Srikkanth concluded.

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