Dubai: He has not been in good form in the second phase of IPL-2021 currently being played in the UAE. Also he has missed the last couple of games for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) due to an injury. But even then, the explosiveness associated with the batting of West Indian Andre Russell is always talked about.
Russell and ‘sixes’ have virtually become synonymous. The moment Russell enters the ground, opposition bowlers become doubly cautious. Fans of Russell and the supporters of the team he plays for have that extra gleam in their eyes the moment he walks in. Even those who are neutral fit into their seats as snugly as they can to enjoy the fireworks about to explode.
Russell knows that the crowd expects something big, the moment he enters the ground with the willow in his hand. But then, how has he managed to control the pressures that come with expectancy.
“Chris Gayle taught me to forget the fear of failure. Most batsmen have the fear of getting out when they try to big heat. I don’t have it… I back myself to clear the ground on most occasions. It is one of the reasons why I manage to hit the ball out of the park more frequently,” the West Indian explained.
Russell also has another recipe for his six-hitting success. He said he prepares separately for hitting over-boundaries. “Every day after my normal training routine, I do 30 pushups additionally to increase the strength of my shoulders and arms. That is another recipe to my six-hitting success,” the all-rounder stated. “Some batters depend on timing. I on the other hand, try to use my power. I want to hit the ball so hard that it is never found again,” Russell said with a smile.
Whatever, the reasons may be, there can be no doubt that Russell simply is a destroyer of bowling. And Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) certainly bank on him to deliver the goods whenever he goes in.