For the upcoming edition of the league, Kolkata Knight Riders have made exciting signings and have got a new think tank in place headed by coach Brendon McCullum. Recently, KKR’s mentor David Hussey revealed that the team has been exploring options of promoting the big-hitter Andre Russell at number three.
The explosive all-rounder Andre Russell, who was adjudged as the Most Valuable Player last season has been one of the key players of the team. He scored 510 runs from 13 innings, averaging 56.66, and also picked up 11 wickets in last year’s edition of the game.
Calling him the heartbeat of the team, David Hussey said that the team is thinking of different combinations this season including promoting Russell at three. He said:
“If it benefits the team and helps us win games of cricket, why not? If that means Andre Russell comes in at three and bats 60 balls, he might actually make a double hundred. Anything can happen with Dre Russ,”
He added:
“A fantastic player, he is probably almost the heartbeat of the team as well. We’ve actually got really a well-balanced team… Anyone can bat in any different position. But if it benefits the team, why not, why can’t he bat up the list.”
Furthermore, David Hussey expressed his excitement for the upcoming edition of the league. Apart from Andre Russell, he was also all praises for Tom Banton. He said:
“I am excited about all the signings. The overseas players haven’t arrived yet but we are excited to see Tom Banton play live, he was phenomenal in the Big Bash. But I think it is going to be the wily veterans in Dinesh Karthik, Kuldeep Yadav, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell who are going to be ultra-critical. They control the culture of the group and I think they are going to go a long way in helping the other boys, the newcomers, the youngsters,”
Meanwhile, IPL 2020 kickstart from 19th September with the season-opening clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
