Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar wasn't entirely impressed when Andre Russell's heroic performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad was credited to Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match on Saturday, Russell's whirlwind knock of 64 runs off just 25 balls played a pivotal role in the team's 4-run victory. But, seeing the credit for Russell's stunning show going to Gambhir, Gavaskar asked for such an inference to be put on hold, considering it was only the franchise's first match of the season.
Other than producing fireworks with the bat, Russell also picked up 2 wickets with the ball, producing an all-round show that earned him the Player of the Match award. While Gavaskar lauded the impact Russell produced, he asked if Gambhir would be blamed if the big-hitting West Indian fails to shine in the coming games.
"Let's not go ahead of ourselves, he batted well, and it's got nothing to do with anyone coming into there (KKR). If he doesn't do well in the next few innings, will you blame Gautam Gambhir? Let's take it a little bit easy," Gavaskar told Star Sports.
While Russell was undoubtedly brilliant with the bat, Gavaskar also highlighted how Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers failed to execute their plans.
"When you saw someone like Bhuveneshwar Kumar, who was practising his yorkers so well on the practise pitches, bowled leg-deliveries (in the match) which was everything in the arc for Andre Russell... When somebody like Russell is hitting the ball into the stands, nobody can stop him," Gavaskar explained.
After the game, Russell gave a little emotional speech, highlighting his love for the Knight Riders and what wearing the franchise's jersey means for him.
"Sometimes stuff pop on my Insta and I realise how well I am striking the ball. Shows that you are doing well. I have tried to react with whatever comes my way. Over the last 2 years, bowlers have their plans against me. I have been digging out the runs, and I know everyone has a plan for me. (On his journey with KKR) I was on the bench early on, and just tried to make myself useful. This franchise means a lot to me, what I did tonight was just a way to prove what this jersey means to me. Hopefully I can keep performing this way," he said.