Former India player Mohammad Kaif said that Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell will be a nightmare for their opponent in their upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, Russell scored a quick fifty in KKR’s win over SunRisers Hyderabad in their opening match of IPL 2024. The veteran also smashed an unbeaten 64 off just 25 deliveries at the Eden Gardens to help his side post 208 for 7 in the first innings as well. He will return in action when KKR and RCB take on each othher on Friday, March 29.
Speaking to Star Sports, Kaif said, “I think it’s a fantastic place to play. It’s a high scoring venue, batters are going to enjoy the bowling. It’s a short boundary. It’s a delight to bat on that pitch. And out of all the names you took, it will be exciting to see Russell the way he batted during the first game. He has already set IPL on fire. It is going to be a nightmare for the bowlers because Russell is in form.”
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“Last year was not that great for him, He bowled but batting-wise, it wasn’t that great, but this year during the very first match, the way he batted it’s going to be very beneficial for the KKR team,” Kaif further added.
He also added that Andre Russell facing RCB speedster Mohammed Siraj in the death overs will be an exciting battle to watch. After losing their opening match against Chennai Super Kings, RCB registered their first win in IPL 2024 by beating Punjab Kings by 4 wickets as well. While RCB has already played two matches, KKR played one and both teams will try to keep their winning momentum on in IPL 2024.
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“I think the way KKR played they look very much in control. Yes it went till the last over but the way Russell batted, the way Salt batted. They have the spinners, they have the fast bowlers. Harshit Rana finishing the last over in style. They look quite in control and I am going to keep them in the top four and against RC, I would say Russell versus Siraj during the death overs would be exciting to watch,” Mohammad Kaif concluded.
