Michael Vaughan feels Eoin Morgan may drop himself for Andre Russell in IPL final

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Eoin Morgan may drop himself to get Andre Russell back in the team. Ahead of the summit clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), KKR mentor David Hussey gave a positive update on the fitness of Andre Russell, revealing that the all-rounder has resumed bowling. Russell had missed the last few games for KKR owing to a hamstring injury he picked up in the league game against CSK.

Given the impact Russell can have on the game, KKR will be keen to include him in the team but they’ll have to drop one of the four overseas players that played against DC. With Narine and Ferguson certain to play, Vaughan feels it will be a toss-up between Shakib Al Hasan and Eoin Morgan, adding that if conditions are favourable for spin bowling, Morgan will not hesitate to drop himself given he always does what is best for the team.

“They have to make a call on the pitch because when they played at Sharjah, they got used to the pitch, knew the conditions, and stuck with the team. Dubai might be a different proposition, it might be a different surface. If Andre Russell can bowl four overs, they may turn to change Shakib, ” said Vaughan to Cricbuzz.

“You know, they may think that a left-arm spinner (won’t be required). Again, we’ll talk about Eoin Morgan (chuckles). I personally wouldn’t drop him, but do not be surprised if he drops himself) because I just know the character that he is. He will do what he feels is best for the team.”

Morgan is going through a lean patch and has only accumulated 37 runs in nine games of the UAE leg. However, Vaughan feels that despite being out of touch, Morgan adds value to the team owing to his sharp leadership. Vaughan said he won’t dare to drop Morgan from the team but Morgan may drop himself given the team man he is.

“I think he’s a massive player, and adds 25 runs of value with his tactics, maybe more with his man-management of those younger players that we talk about. So I would certainly play him, but don’t rule it out with Eoin Morgan because he’s that kind of personality.”