Andre Russell criticizes KKR’s atmosphere: Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder has found faults with several divisions in the franchise.
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Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell has lashed out at the franchise’s decision-making during the ongoing IPL 2019. While Russell didn’t pinpoint names, he sounded disappointed by the overall performance this year.
“We have a good team but if you make bad decisions then you will always lose games and that’s what we’ve been doing. If we had enough time, I could pinpoint a few games where if we just looked to bowl tighter in areas or bring in right bowlers at the right time, we could have won,” Russell was quoted as saying on the eve of KKR’s next match against Mumbai Indians.
After winning four out of their first five matches this season, Knight Riders have lost as many as six matches on the trot. Currently reeling at No. 7 in the point table, another loss will rule them out of the tournament as far as qualifying for the playoffs is concerned.
“As a professional cricketer, to be in this position is not the most healthiest position. In terms of decision, we have been bowling wrongly at the wrong time, that’s what been causing for us to keep losing in simple ways,” Russell said.
Russell blames Kolkata’s bowlers
Expressing an opinion contrary to the general notion, Russell held their bowling at more fault than their batting. “I’m disappointed that we get defeated by a team Rajasthan Royals with weak batting order. If we can’t restrict a team for under 170 with our bowling attack then we will need miracles against a strong team like Mumbai [Indians].
ALSO READ: Match Prediction | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians | IPL 2019
“They said we have been struggling in batting. But the batting has not been struggling really. We are getting the totals that we should have defended. But when you bowl as bad as our bowlers, you don’t really take catches — we have been the worst fielding team so far,” Russell further said.
Andre Russell criticizes KKR’s atmosphere
🔥 x 1⃣5⃣0⃣@Russell12A guarantees fireworks💥#KKRvMI #KKRHaiTaiyaar #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/vi2e2dFJQU
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 27, 2019
Being asked about the atmosphere in the team post losing half-a-dozen matches in a row, Russell was honest enough to admit what not many would have admitted. “It’s not healthy, to be honest. I’m feeling down at the moment but tomorrow when we cross the rope my energy level will be 150. As cricketers, we have to have the passion inside, and not just to show it on the TV,” Russell added.
“I have never feared any bowler”
The 30-year old cricketer has been instrumental this season especially with the bat in hand. In 11 matches, Russell has scored 406 runs at an average of 58 and a strike rate of 209.27. There is no hiding to the fact that most of Knight Riders’ limited success this season has been possible because of Russell’s heroics.
Before concluding, Russell further accepted that he doesn’t fear opposition bowlers. Talking of MI’s bowlers, he agreed that they are top bowlers but sounded motivated to attack them in the slog overs.
“I have never feared any bowler. Never. Bowlers fear me, to be honest. I’m not bragging or anything. I can get out in one ball tomorrow or the first ball they bowl can go for six. I’m not afraid to get out.
“I’m not going to die. So, it’s not the life and death situation. It’s like you’re giving yourself a chance to score runs they are trying to get you out. [Jasprit] Bumrah, [Lasith] Malinga are top bowlers. But they are human beings,” Russell concluded.
