IPL 2021: In Pictures: Andre Russell, Lockie Ferguson Returns Back To Practice For KKR

KKR all-rounder Andre Russell and pacer Lockie Ferguson returned to practice for the side on Wednesday. KKR play Rajasthan Royals in their final league game in Sharjah on Thursday. They need to win the game to make their playoff qualification of IPL 2021 secure. They are placed fourth on the points table with 12 points with a net run-rate of +0.294. However, Mumbai Indians are hunting down the fourth spot in the playoff race as well.

Meanwhile, Andre Russell and Lockie Ferguson returned back to practice earlier in the day. Both the players missed the last couple of games for KKR. Russell has been out of action since the game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) where he limped off the field due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Ferguson, who hurt himself during the franchise’s victory against Delhi Capitals.

Andre Russell Short Of  Runs For KKR In UAE Leg

"Where is Russell? Where is Lockie?"
… Well they are at the training ground, firing in all cylinders 😎💥 @Russell12A #LockieFerguson #KKR #AmiKKR #KorboLorboJeetbo #আমিKKR #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/oK9VkA4poJ

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 6, 2021

KKR as a side has played some good cricket in the UAE leg. They won four games out of six while losing just two. They beat teams like Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals while losing to CSK and Punjab Kings.

A victory over the Royals will guarantee KKR qualification into the play-offs irrespective of Mumbai Indians’ (MI) result against Sunrisers Hyderabad(SRH). A superior net-run rate (NRR) makes it next to impossible for the defending champions to overtake them in the table if the two teams end on the same points.

However, if the inaugural champions beat Eoin Morgan’s side, KKR will have to ensure they do not allow RR and Punjab Kings to overtake their NRR and hope SRH beat MI on Friday.

Eoin Morgan’s form has been a cause of concern for KKR. He has scored just over 100 runs in the season with a string of low scores in the UAE leg. However, he was unbeaten in his last innings and took his side home along with Dinesh Karthik.