“Participating in the Final is Special”: Andre Russell on KKR Winning IPL 2024

“Participating in the Final is Special”: Andre Russell on KKR Winning IPL 2024

With the Kolkata Knight Riders lifting the IPL trophy, team all-rounder Andre Russell expressed his excitement about contributing to the team’s successful journey, calling it a special feeling. KKR triumphed over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 final at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. KKR’s victory was fueled by stellar performances from Mitchell Starc and Andre Russell with the ball and a half-century by Venkatesh Iyer. Despite the fierce batting of Sunrisers’ openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma throughout the tournament, they fell short in the final. In the duel between high-priced Australian players, Cummins (Rs 20.5 crore for SRH) and Starc (Rs 24.75 crore for KKR), it was Starc who emerged victorious.

Russell, speaking on Jio Cinema, remarked, “Being part of this squad, even when not playing or involved on the field but supporting the team, is always a good feeling, but this is something special. Playing in the XI, contributing in the final, and through my leadership, it’s an exciting and special feeling.”

The 36-year-old also discussed his batting technique, highlighting his efforts to stay as still as possible and minimize movement of his front leg, allowing him better access to balls bowled wide.

Earlier, SRH won the toss and chose to bat, but KKR dismantled their lineup with continuous wickets. Starc justified his hefty price tag with figures of 2/14, while Russell claimed 3/19. Pat Cummins and Aiden Markram were the only SRH batsmen to score over 20 runs, with SRH being bowled out for 113 in 18.3 overs.

KKR chased down the target of 114 runs in just 10.3 overs, securing the win with eight wickets in hand. Venkatesh Iyer (52* off 26 balls) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39 off 32 balls) led the charge with the bat.