Russell’s explosive batting led KKR to a formidable complete of 208/7, along with his unbeaten 64 runs off simply 25 balls, supported by a vital 81-run partnership with Rinku Singh.
The innings started with a fiery begin from England’s Phil Salt, who contributed 54 runs.
In pursuit of KKR’s difficult complete, Sunrisers’ Heinrich Klaasen counterattacked with a blistering 63 off 29 balls, holding SRH in rivalry as they chased the goal of 209 at Eden Gardens.
Because the match got here right down to the wire, requiring 13 runs off the ultimate over, tensions had been excessive.
Regardless of a six off the primary ball by Klaasen, quick bowler Harshit Rana maintained his composure, dismissing Shahbaz Ahmed and Klaasen in fast succession to seal the thrilling victory for KKR.
Russell’s dominance was evident as he decimated the SRH bowling assault, smashing seven sixes and three fours.
“Let’s not go forward of ourselves. He batted effectively, and it is acquired nothing to do with anybody coming into there (KKR). If he does not do effectively within the subsequent few innings, will you blame Gautam Gambhir? Let’s take it a bit of bit straightforward,” Gavaskar instructed Star Sports activities.
“Whenever you noticed somebody like Bhuveneshwar Kumar, who was practising his yorkers so effectively on the practise pitches, bowled leg-deliveries (within the match) which was all the things within the arc for Andre Russell… When anyone like Russell is hitting the ball into the stands, no person can cease him,” Gavaskar mentioned additional.
KKR will now tackle Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 29.
