Mumbai: Andre Russell declared his return to form with a brilliant 31-ball 70 that helped Kolkata Knight Riders chase down 138 in less than 15 overs against Punjab Kings on Friday.
Russell had failed to provide the pyrotechnics that made him one of the most feared hitters in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the last two seasons, but against PBKS, he was back to his absolute best, coming in to bat with KKR in a difficult situation and turning the game into an easy win for his team.
KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan was among those who were delighted to witness ‘Dre Russ’ put up a show and heaped accolades on him. “Welcome back my friend @Russell12A so long since saw the ball fly so high!!! It takes a life of its own when U hit it Man!” he tweeted.
Welcome back my friend @Russell12A so long since saw the ball fly so high!!! It takes a life of its own when U hit it Man! And @y_umesh wow! To @ShreyasIyer15 & team well done.Have a happy nite boys.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 1, 2022
He also congratulated the squad on their triumph and commended Umesh Yadav. Umesh Yadav finished with 4/23 as KKR bowled PBKS out for 137. These are the greatest numbers he has ever produced in the IPL.
“And @y_umesh wow! To @ShreyasIyer15 & team well done. Have a happy nite boys,” he wrote in his tweet. Russell came in to bat when KKR were 51/4 after seven overs. However, as he settled in, he hammered eight sixes and two boundaries to put the pursuit to rest.
KKR has already won two out of three matches and has risen to the top of the IPL 2022 points table.
