Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir stated that Mumbai Indians speedster Jasprit Bumrah had the ability to trouble Kolkata Knight Riders star all-rounder Andre Russell. Andre Russell had a brilliant IPL 2019 and was the most valuable player of the season. He scored 510 runs in 13 innings at an average of 56.66. He also picked up 11 wickets and became KKR’s leading wicket-taker.
Gambhir believes that Bumrah’s ability to bowl the slower ball, bouncer, and other variations like the yorker could come in handy to stop Andre Russell’s onslaught. Although it was difficult to stop someone from Andre Russell’s ability, Gambhir believed that Bumrah had it in him to stop the big Jamaican.
“There might be two or three of them in the IPL who could trouble him but not beyond that. I don’t see bowlers other than probably someone like Jasprit Bumrah who can actually trouble Andre Russell,” Gambhir was quoted as saying on Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected.
KKR should not send Andre Russell below No .5 in the batting order: Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir opined that KKR should not send Andre Russell to bat below the No. 5 position. He believes that one of the main reasons why KKR failed to qualify for the playoffs last season was that Andre Russell was batting lower down the order. If Andre Russell got enough balls, he had the ability to turn the game on its head. according to Gambhir.
“KKR should not send Andre Russell below No .5 in the batting order considering the form he is in. And the number should not matter, the overs should matter. Batting position is an overrated thing, six balls can change the entire match in T20 cricket,” Gambhir said.
KKR will begin their IPL 2020 campaign against the defending champions Mumbai Indians on 23rd September at Abu Dhabi. It will be interesting who stops the BIG Andre Russell.
