The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a showcase for Caribbean flair and brute power, thanks to legends like Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell. On a balmy evening at Eden Gardens, Andre Russell reminded everyone why he’s one of the most feared hitters in the league.
Facing Rajasthan Royals in a crucial IPL 2025 clash, Russell lit up the stadium with a hat-trick of sixes off Maheesh Theekshana, turning the momentum sharply in Kolkata Knight Riders’ favour. KKR, eyeing a playoff berth, won the toss and chose to bat first.
WATCH – Ajinkya Rahane’s Stunning Catch Ends Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Stay Early
However, the innings began on a shaky note with Sunil Narine departing early. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ajinkya Rahane then steadied the ship, guiding the side to 56/1 at the end of the powerplay. Gurbaz played a brisk knock of 35 before falling in the eighth over, after which Rahane and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi added 42 crucial runs.
Ajinkya Rahane’s dismissal in the 13th over brought Russell to the crease—and with him, a storm. Russell initially took his time, but when Theekshana came on for the 18th over, fireworks erupted. On the fourth delivery, Theekshana bowled a length ball with width, and Russell launched it straight over the sightscreen—an enormous 94-metre six.
WATCH – Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s Furious Reaction After Frustrating Dismissal
The very next ball was full and wide, but Russell bent his back leg and muscled it over deep mid-wicket for another massive six, this time 91 metres. With the crowd buzzing, Russell completed the hat-trick in style, hammering the third straight six over deep extra cover.
— ricky (@ricky5959046277) May 4, 2025
— ricky (@ricky5959046277) May 4, 2025
The Eden crowd erupted, social media exploded, and Andre Russell was back at his brutal best. In just a few deliveries, he shifted the game’s narrative, proving once again that when Russell fires, there are few sights more thrilling in T20 cricket.
