Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir praised captain Shreyas Iyer for using Andre Russell with the ball in the Indian Premier League (IP) 2024. He said the way the captain handed over the responsibility to the all-rounder was remarkable.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 saw the emergence of Andre Russell as the league’s bowler. More than batting, the all-rounder exudes class with the ball and played a pivotal role in helping Kolkata Knight Riders win their third league title.
Andre Russell, known as the batting powerhouse, contributed with the ball more than the bat in IPL 2024. What was even more impressive was that he lived up to the expectations of Shreyas Iyer, who used him sensationally well as a bowler.
Despite having some world-class bowlers in the team, captain Shreyas Iyer trusted Andre Russell and used him in the crucial stages of the game. The all-rounder contributed with wickets and helped his team occupy dominant positions in important phases.
Gautam Gambhir was amazed by the way Andre Russell delivered the ball in IPL 2024. He stated that the all-rounder deserves all the credit because being the sixth bowler, he picked up around 20 wickets. Speaking to SportsKeeda, he stated:
“Absolutely, how many teams are there that have sixth bowlers who have taken 19 wickets? If your sixth bowler takes 17-18 wickets, that is too crucial, then the team will always be in a good position. Therefore, the off-roader deserves all the credit. And the way Shreyas Iyer used it, he deserves all the credit too.”
Andre Russell played an important role with the ball for the team. He picked 19 wickets and made valuable contributions with the bat. The all-rounder scored 222 runs in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign in IPL 2024.
I reunited with Narine and Russell after six years – Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir spoke further about Sunil Narine lifting him up after the victory in IPL 2024. He said that he met Narine and Andre Russell after a long time and that’s why his emotions came out. He added:
“I haven’t lifted many players before, and neither have players lifted me before, but there were a lot of emotions after the victory. I reunited with Narine and Russell after six years, and that’s a long period of time, and I know them very well, so the emotions came after winning, and that’s why you play cricket.”
Sunil Narine was the key architect behind KKR winning IPL 2024. He scored 488 runs at a strike rate of 180.74 and took 17 wickets with an economy of 6.69. Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final of IPL 2024 to win their third title in the league’s history.