7. ANDRE RUSSELL (KKR)
Yusuf’s partner in crime, Andre Russell has already become a heartthrob in Kolkata; thanks to his remarkable efficacy in all the three departments of batting, bowling and fielding. MVP of IPL 2015, Russell carried his glorious T20I form into the month and a half long tournament, turning out his mojo on the crowds and making good use of the long handle in times of crisis. In the 12 games he played for KKR in 2016, his bat produced 188 runs at an average of 26.85 and at a strike rate of 164.91.
He did a shade better with the ball, having picked up 15 wickets at an average of 19.40 and an economy rate of 7.97. The 29-year old seam bowling all-rounder from Jamaica proved to be a boisterous match-winner for his side and received the ‘Man of the Match’ award thrice for his valiant contributions to the team’s cause in the departments of batting and bowling. Following are his few match-winning performances which made him the recipient of three ‘Man of the Match’ awards this season.
- 3/24 (3 overs) against DD at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
2. 1/24 (4 overs) and 39 (24_ against RCB at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.
3. 16* (10) and 4/20 (4 overs) against KXIP at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
It wouldn’t be wrong to infer that his absence from the KKR line-up in the wake of the crucial eliminator adversely affected their fortunes in the tournament.
Stats- Batting- Matches 12, Runs 188, HS 39, N.O 1, Avg.- 26.85, S/R- 164.91, 0 fifties.
Bowling- Overs 36.3, Wickets 15, BBM 4/20, Bowl. Avg.- 19.40, Eco.- 7.97.
