IPL 2023: Had belief in Andre Russell, kept backing him – Nitish Rana after win against PBKS

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Nitish Rana revealed that he had full belief in all-rounder Andre Russell despite his low return of scores in the ongoing season of IPL 2023. The hard-hitter scored a blistering knock of 42 runs off just 23 balls with the help of three fours and as many sixes to take KKR to a five-wicket win at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Monday.

In fact, Russell hasn’t been at his absolute best in the ongoing season but he batted like himself against PBKS. The West Indian, who is well known for his pyrotechnics, turned the match on its head in the penultimate over of the innings.

Russell smashed Sam Curran for three sixes in the second last over to put his team in command. This knock will definitely add a shot in the arm to Russell as he hasn’t batted at his best in the ongoing season.

Nitish Rana said in the post-match presentation, “10 matches have gone, we were all waiting for that one Russell innings to come. He was one innings away, I kept backing him saying you have done a lot, and you will 100% win us a game.”

On the other hand, Rinku Singh once again delivered for KKR and continued to impress. The left-hander smashed a four on the final ball of the innings when two runs were needed. Singh played a vital knock of 10-ball 21 and thus played a key role in the team’s thrilling win.

The southpaw has scored 337 runs in 11 innings at an average of 56.17 and a blistering strike rate of 151.12 and he is the leading run-getter for KKR this season.

Rana said of Rinku Singh, “I just keep telling him, believe in yourself because what you have achieved is something, not many people ever will. When he was batting, the whole crowd was chanting ‘Rinku, Rinku’. That is what he has earned this year. I’ve been at this franchise for many years now, I’m used to the Eden crowd screaming ‘Russell, Russell’ but to hear them shout ‘Rinku, Rinku’ makes me feel very happy and proud. That’s the respect he has earned this season.”

Kolkata Knight Riders will next take on Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday.