IPL 2024 | "They are willing to learn": Andre Russell on KKR's youngsters

Kolkata Knight Riders` Andre Russell bowls a delivery during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 T20 cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata. Pic/PTI

Following the IPL 2024 match victory against Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell heaped praises on his franchise's youngsters. Russell said that the youngsters are eager to learn from experienced players from the KKR's camp.

Kolkata Knight Riders' spinner helped the side restrict MI to 139 runs in the IPL 2024 match that was delayed. In the run chase of 158 runs, the Paltan lost their eight wickets at Eden Gardens. KKR became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs.

The IPL 2024 match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders was restricted to 16 overs per side due to rain delay.

Star all-rounder Russel said that he has worked a lot on his fitness and is happy to serve what his team needs from him.

Also Read: IPL 2024 | "Couldn't capitalise on momentum": MI skipper Hardik Pandya

"We batted first, so we knew it (pitch) was a bit sticky and something in it for the spinners as well. Based on our bowling attack we felt that was good enough. They got off to a good start, we pulled it back brilliantly. Our bowlers won it for us. He (SKY) is a 360 guy. I tried to keep it as simple as possible. I think it's just about belief. The older you get the more experience you get. Have worked on my fitness and happy to do whatever the team needs. I have been doing as much talking as I can (to the team). We have a lot of youngsters. Everyone wants to do well. They listen to all the experienced guys and they are willing to learn," Russell said in the post-match interview.

Following early loss of openers Phil Salt and Sunil Narine, valuable knocks came from Venkatesh Iyer (42 in 21 balls, with six fours and two sixes), Nitish Rana (33 in 23 balls, with four boundaries and a six), Andre Russell (24 in 14 balls, with two fours and two sixes) and Rinku Singh (20 in 12 balls, with two sixes), which helped KKR reach 157/7 in the 20 overs.

Piyush Chawla (2/28) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/39) were the top bowlers for MI.

In the run-chase, Ishan Kishan (40 in 22 balls, with five fours and two sixes) and Rohit Sharma (19 in 24 balls, with a four and six) started with a fine 65-run opening stand. However, KKR soon restricted the run of flow and took wickets. Tilak Varma (32 in 17 balls, with five fours and a six) and Naman Dhir (17 in six balls, with a four and two sixes) put up a fight, but MI fell short by 18 runs, ending at 139/8 in their 20 overs.

Varun Chakravarthy (2/17) was the top bowler for KKR. Andre Russell and Harshit Rana (2/34) also did fine with the ball.

KKR is at the top of the points table, with nine wins and three losses, with 18 points. MI is at the bottom with four wins and nine losses, giving them eight points.

(With ANI Inputs)