IPl 2019 | Andre Russell was perfect game changer for us, claims Kuldeep Yadav

Kolkata Knight Riders did a brilliant job to take their recent match against Delhi Capitals to a super over. At one point it looked like the game was surely out of their hands but an impressive final over from spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who defended merely six runs, was enough to enforce a super over. Albeit Delhi ran out winners regardless, it showed the determination and dedication in the KKR dugout was at its very peak.

Much of that credit bows down to one man - Andre Russell. The towering all-rounder has proved that he is definitely the biggest weapon in the KKR dressing room having taken this year’s IPL by storm with his ruthless batting skills. Yadav was quick to point out that Russell is the ‘perfect’ game changer for the Kolkata-based franchise this season.

"You need a player who can change the game for you. We have Russell in that category. He is a perfect game changer for us. We all are proud of him. When he is on fire, he is unstoppable,” Kuldeep told Timesofindia.com in an exclusive interview.

Russell entertained the Eden Gardens crowd on their season opener with a blistering 49 not out in his team's six-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Russell was at it again in the next two matches as he ended up scoring 48 vs Kings XI Punjab and 62 vs Delhi Capitals. Russell is KKR's highest run-getter in this season, scoring 159 runs in three innings at an average of 79.50 so far. He has scored runs at a breathtaking strike-rate of 248.44.

"I am glad I don't have to bowl to him (Russell). He is the kind of player who can destroy any bowler's economy rate,” Yadav added.

Dinesh Karthik-led KKR have won the IPL title earlier in 2012 and 2014. Both their wins came under the captaincy of former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir. Yadav is confident that his team can go all the way this year based on their results in the opening matches.

"The way we have been playing and have shown fighting spirit, I think KKR will win the trophy this year,” he concluded.

Kolkata Knight Riders play their next match on Friday vs Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.