Veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has opened up on Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) excessive dependence on Andre Russell. Chawla shared this while previewing KKR’s match against Gujarat Titans on Saturday. He also said about the prospect of Andre Russell batting higher in the order as well. However, Russell is one of the key players of the franchise. He has been striking at 177.22 in seven games and averaging 44.75 also.
Speaking on ESPNCricinfo’s Timeout, the former India cricketer said, “Yes, absolutely. If we talk about the previous game, when Andre Russell perished, it felt like they don’t have any batters remaining. They eventually crumbled. They weren’t getting a stable opening stand either, but Aaron Finch played a good knock. Shreyas Iyer looked on and off, however, he batted well and had rhythm. Venkatesh Iyer is yet to score runs and didn’t get too much success opening the innings. He couldn’t make runs batting lower down the order either. That is also a point of concern.”
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Chawla continued: “Both Russell’s and Pandya’s potentials are different. The way Hardik Pandya has adapted to the game, Andre Russell can do as well and has done before. However, KKR’s thought process is like if Russell goes early, who will stabilize the innings later. Hence, KKR have those doubts.”
However, the Knight Riders were in a winning spot against the Rajasthan Royals before Yuzvendra Chahal ended their hopes. Chahal took a five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick and won the match for his side. There Andre Russell departed for a golden duck. Piyush Chawla also thinks that KKR failed to win because of Pat Cummins and Varun Chakravarthy’s inability to make an impact. However, KKR will play against Gujarat Titans in their next game and try to bounce back too.
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“Bowling is one of the main reasons. Their two main bowlers – Pat Cummins and Varun Chakravarthy – their form is a concern because their economy ranges from 10 or 11 in every game without wickets. Hence, it’s one of the most significant concerns,” he concluded.
