Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell could bat higher up the order in IPL 2020 according to team mentor David Hussey. Hussey hailed Russell as the ‘heartbeat’ of the KKR side and also expects him to hit a double-century given that he faces at least 60 balls.
Russell’s batting position was a subject of debate for the team management throughout the IPL 2019. There was always a lot left to be done for Russell as KKR lost six on the trot after an impressive start. Among the matches KKR, Russell invariably ended as the top-scorer in the games.
Russell should bat up the order – Hussey
In an interaction with Cricbuzz, Hussey said that batting KKR at the top of the order is something they are considering this season. “If it benefits the team and helps us win games of cricket, why not? If he comes in at No. 3 and bats 60 balls, he might even score a double hundred. Anything can happen with Dre Russ. He is almost the heartbeat of the team.”
KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik, at the end of the season, said that not making Russell bat higher up the order in IPL 2019 was a tactical error and that the team management should have thought more deeply about it.
Meanwhile, the thought of making Andre Russell bat higher up the order could be possible because of the inclusion of England skipper Eoin Morgan in the side.
KKR mentor David Hussey said that Karthik and Morgan can shoulder the responsibilities in the middle-order which gives them a chance to bat Russell higher up the order. He further added that Morgan will be a great asset for Karthik in the leadership group as well.
“He [Morgan] may be fielding in the ring talking to the bowlers while the captain is behind the stumps keeping wickets. He’s a cool, calm and collected person and will also be a handy batman controlling the middle overs with Karthik. I expect a really good relationship between them, and his calm head can win us many games through the tournament” said Hussey.
Meanwhile, the BCCI announced the IPL 2020 schedule on Sunday. KKR would start their campaign on September 23 against Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi, which is their home venue. Also, KKR are among the four teams to play three-day games.
