Windies all-rounder Andre Russell, who played a crucial role for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad in the earlier seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL) apart from fellow spinner Sunil Narine and skipper Gautam Gambhir. As KKR revealed the names of the retained cricketers for IPL 2018, a lot of fans were surprised.
The Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise has decided to retain the overseas players over someone like skipper Gautam Gambhir. Some of the reports suggested that the KKR wanted to return back to the team where he started his IPL career- Delhi Daredevils.
Russell was out of the 2017 edition of the IPL, as he was banned for a year failing due to doping norms violation. They took a cut worth 8.5 crore from their purse and will pay him 7 crore.
To announce the retentions to their fans KKR tweeted- “Part-time singer, full-time entertainer! ??
When @Russell12A is on song, there are very few who hit the ball as cleanly as he does. ? .THE VERSATILE ALL-ROUNDER IS A KNIGHT, AGAIN! Welcome back! ?”
Part-time singer, full-time entertainer! 🎤🕺
When @Russell12A is on song, there are very few who hit the ball as cleanly as he does. 💥THE VERSATILE ALL-ROUNDER IS A KNIGHT, AGAIN! Welcome back! 💜#AmiKKR #KorboLorboJeetbo #VivoIPLRetention #Retained pic.twitter.com/GqHaYdspDn
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 4, 2018
The Windies all-rounder was quick to thank the franchise for showing trust in him and retaining him for the upcoming season. He replied, “Big thanks to my #KKR family for the support! Great to be back with @KKRiders #AmiKKR in 2018 ??”
Big thanks to my #KKR family for the support! Great to be back with @KKRiders #AmiKKR in 2018 👊🏿
— Andre Russell (@Russell12A) January 4, 2018
KKR team CEO, Venky Mysore replied to the all-rounder and wrote: ”Superman! Can’t wait to see you back in #Purple&Gold”
Superman! Can’t wait to see you back in #Purple&Gold
— Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore) January 4, 2018
