David Hussey hints at Andre Russell's inclusion in KKR for IPL final against CSK

Talismanic Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Andre Russell might be in the mix for the Indian Premier League (IPL) final against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday (October 15). KKR mentor David Hussey hinted at the possible inclusion of Russell in the playing XI. The West Indian all-rounder suffered a hamstring injury and subsequently missed few league matches and two playoffs games for KKR.

Russell’s absence was felt in Qualifier 2 as KKR batters had a horrible collapse against Delhi Capitals (DC). Chasing 136, the Knight Riders slipped from 96 for one to 130 for six with four batters registering ducks. Russell will lend solidarity to the team’s batting and bowling department.

“He was bowling before the game (against DC) today, so he might be in the mix,” Hussey said at the post-match press conference after the win over Delhi Capitals (DC).

Hussey further revealed that he is not worried about KKR batting collapse against DC and said the pitch in Sharjah was a difficult one to bat. “No, I'm not concerned because they're all classy players. They know how to play. (It) is just the difficult nature of these pictures, they have been playing on, makes the middle of players, sort of stand out, they are not getting their strike rate 200,” Hussey said.

“They had to knuckle down and maybe a strike rate of 110-120, so not concerned, we are going to Dubai full of confidence and you just never know what's going to happen.”

Speaking about the match, KKR opening batter Venkatesh Iyer with a brilliant half-century laid the platform for an easy chase. Later, Rahul Tripathi held his composure and hit a six off the penultimate ball to take his team into the final.