IPL 2023 | Sunil Gavaskar Lauds KKR's Andre Russell for Match-Winning Knock Against PBKS
Rinku Singh and Andre Russell added 54 runs [Source: Twitter]
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) kept their hopes alive in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) last evening in a thrilling encounter at Eden Gardens. Chasing 180, KKR needed their powerhouse batter Andre Russell to come good, despite having a rather cold season so far.
Russell slammed a quick-fire 42 off 23 balls, before getting run-out in the final over. Rinku Singh ensured that Russell's knock did not go in vain, as he got KKR over the finish line on the final delivery.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has lauded the West Indies player's knock, which came at such a crucial juncture for the side. Speaking to Star Sports, the Indian legend stated that Russell needed such an innings to prove his place in the XI.
Here's what Gavaskar said
"He has been there and played a match-winning hand, you know, how Kolkata has seen. That's where he has come to the party. It was important for him to score because otherwise people would have what is he doing and all that kind of thing. He's got plenty of cricket, matches to win for his team and that's fantastic for the IPL because look what has happened,"
In 11 IPL 2023 matches, the KKR all-rounder has scored 208 runs and claimed seven wickets.
With this win, KRR have moved up to fifth in the points table, and are level with the likes of PBKS, Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Mumbai Indians (MI).
The Nitish Rana-led side takes on RR on Thursday at Eden Gardens.
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