Andre Russell Picture Credit: Instagram
Kolkata Knight Riders' swashbuckling all-rounder Andre Russell hasn't had the best of campaigns so far in IPL 2021. Russell has shown flashes of brilliance but he has not been able to live up to the expectations of KKR fans. The 32-year old averages 19.66 in the tournament and has crossed the 10-run mark just twice in 6 innings.
Russell took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a cryptic message with his followers. He posted a photo of himself, where he was seen holding an ‘Old Monk’ bottle in his hand and wrote alongside, "It's ok to not be 'ok' ". The Caribbean all-rounder further wrote, " ? (Drinking emoji) helps all the time."
Here's the screenshot of Russell's story:
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Andre Russell (Picture Credit: Instagram)[/caption]
Didn't know how to face my teammates: Russell on staircase moment after dismissal vs CSK
Dre Russ has failed to get into the groove with the bat this season. But he gave a brief demo of his hard-hitting abilities when he pummelled the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowlers to all parts of the ground on 21st April 2021. Russell brought out the beast in him as he smashed his way to 54 off just 22 balls. The attacking all-rounder looked to be taking KKR to a win but he was bowled by Sam Curran against the run of play. He left a ball thinking it was outside the leg-stump which ended up hitting the top of his leg-stump.
After his dismissal, Russell didn't head into the dressing room and just sat on the staircase outside. The picture of Russell looking all emotional after the incident went viral on social media. The all-rounder later revealed what was going through his mind at that time.
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Andre Russell (Picture Credit: Instagram)[/caption]
“Well, I was very emotional and I didn’t know how to go to the changing room and face all my teammates after leaving a ball and getting out bowled like that,” Russell told KKR.in.
“You know, the job is not complete, and I wanted to take the team over the line. So I think the emotions got the best of me but staying strong,” he added.
“Once I’m there, you know everything is possible. Yeah, I’ve done it before a lot of times. So fans can know that listen, no doubt even when it’s 100 runs in 20 balls, there’s always a possibility of 20 sixes; who knows?” Russell further said.
Russell has been KKR's go-to man in IPL over the years. But he has struggled for form and fitness since IPL 2020. Russell's performances will be crucial for KKR's fortunes if they are to grab the silverware in IPL 2021. Russell will next be seen on the field when KKR lock horns against Delhi Capitals on 29th April 2021.