29th April 1988 was the birthday of the sensational Andre Russell from Jamaica. Like Jamaica’s another son Chris Gayle, Russell is also known for his big hitting and fun way of life. To add to that, he also provides all-round option and actually started as a bowling all-rounder but his batting has grown since.
In fact he batted at number eight and nine position at the beginning of his ODI career during 2011 World Cup. In his second match he took four wickets for 49 runs and showed his skills and variations with the ball. Few months later he truly announced himself against India at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. Batting first West Indies faced a collapse to Munaf Patel and Amit Mishra and reeling at 96 for 7 when Russell came to bat. With nothing to lose he started batting freely and hit all the Indian bowlers to score a 64-ball 92. We have to remember after he came to bat, West Indies added just 129 runs and 75% of that was contributed by him as he hit eight fours and five sixes. This could not end on a winning note but five days later he did even better to take four wickets for 35 runs to beat India in a Man-of-the Match performance.
Since then his value increased and he became a regular fixture in various T20 league worldwide. He has played T20 leagues in India, Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh and West indies and won the trophy at least once for his teams in these five leagues. For Kolkata Knight Riders, there are many magical moments produced by Russell since 2014 and at times he acts as one-man army for them. Even just before a few hours to his birthday of 2019 his 80 off 40 for KKR in the twelfth season of IPL was a great effort of sheer power and batting brilliance.
Russell’s greatest all-round show in T20 leagues came in 2018 in the Caribbean Premier League against the Trinbago Knight Riders. Despite a hat-trick from Russell on his captaincy debut, Knight Riders could post 223 runs in their 20 overs. While chasing Jamaica Tallawahs were in early trouble as they fell to 41/5 in the beginning of the 7th over. Russell came and changed the game by adding 161 runs in next 11 overs with Kennar Lewis. Finally he finished the match with his 13th six in an innings of 121 off just 49 balls. This is one of the greatest innings in any T20 leagues ever.
Russell is not a regular in West Indies ODI setup although he played a key role in their triumphant 2016 T20 world cup campaign in India. Since he is now selected in the 2019 world cup squad for West Indies, suddenly the team is looking much stronger and he can be a vital cog in the resurgence of West Indies cricket in the world cup. The fans are just happy at the potential of watching the magic of ‘Russell Muscle’ during the world cup.
