Andre Russell likely to be available for IPL playoffs, reveals David Hussey

Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell will most likely be available for the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, which will begin on Sunday (October 10). The news was shared by David Hussey, mentor of the KKR franchise. KKR have virtually secured a place in the playoffs by thumping Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 86 runs in their last league match.

KKR have finished the league stage with 14 points on board and have an enviable net run rate of +0.587. They are currently placed fourth on the points table and are set to play Eliminator on Monday (October 10), most probably against RCB. Speaking about Russell, he was out of action for a few games due to a hamstring injury, which he sustained against Chennai Super Kings. The all-rounder though had a fitness test and is pushing hard to be fit in time for the playoffs.

"He (Russell) had a fitness test on Wednesday, and I think he's just maybe a game away. So, I think he'd be pushing hard over the next few days to get back in for the final (play-offs). (His availability) will be a huge boost not only for us but the competition. He's world-class, and he provides lots of entertainment," Hussey said at the post-match press conference on Thursday.

KKR’s fortunes have changed ever since they landed in the UAE. The franchise in purple and gold have found various players stepping up in several of their victories. They have won five of their seven games post resumption. Hussey feels the break helped the franchise rediscover their form.

"So, the break probably did us a world of good -- we got to refresh, recharge our batteries and re-plan -- and come to Abu Dhabi. Abhishek Nayar did a great training session, all the boys got a lot of volume and (were) ready to go," explained Hussey on how the change occurred in the group.