Andre Russell : I think this one year I lost has made me a different person

KKR all-rounder Andre Russell is regarded as one of the best T20 players in the international circuit. He has been a mainstay with the Kolkata Knight Riders squad since he was purchased at the 2014 auction for a sum of Rs. 60 lakhs and was retained along with West Indian teammate Sunil Narine ahead of the 2018 season of the IPL. 

Russell, who was part of the West Indies squad for the World T20 2016, had reportedly missed three such tests in a 12-month period, which equated to a failed test under doping laws. This resulted in the all-rounder serving a one-year ban which as he claimed has helped him become a better person.

"I think this one year I lost has made me a different person.I have learnt how to be humble. I need to make sure that you stay on top of what you are doing as a professional and yet be humble. I just want to ensure that these things don't happen again," Russell was quoted as saying by News18.

Russell hit 11 sixes in his 36-ball-88 for KKR in their team's five-wicket defeat against CSK last night to put in two back-to-back good performances in the IPL. He added that his confidence in himself and his game was key to his success on the pitch.

"I think I am confident. My confidence level is very high. Once you have confident in whatever sport you play that's all you need, that self-belief. But I think, I am in good condition. I wouldn't say that I am 100 percent fit. I am happy that I am hitting well and bowling with pace. So I know in a few more games, I will be where I want to be," Russell added.

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