Cricket

IPL 2021: Planned the yorker to AB de Villiers, wanted to outsmart him – Andre Russell

 

Kolkata Knight Riders talisman all-rounder Andre Russell revealed his strategy while bowling to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s AB de Villiers at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Monday. Russell bowled an accurate yorker on the very first ball and got the big wicket to push RCB on the backfoot.

The former South African skipper was late on the ball and it ricocheted off his pads onto the stumps. Russell had also bent his back and reaped rewards for the same. The all-rounder also got the wickets of Srikar Bharat and Mohammed Siraj and returned with impressive figures of 3-9 in his three overs.

Varun Chakravarthy also impressed as he picked 3-13 in his four overs as KKR were able to bundle RCB at their fifth lowest IPL total at 92 runs. Thus, Russell played a key role for his team and he was the pick of the bowlers along with Varun Chakravarthy.

Russell added that AB was not expecting the yorker on the first ball he faced and he was able to surprise the talisman batsman.

“Yes, naturally I planned that yorker because before that I was bowling a lot of length balls. I know AB is a clever guy. I was just trying to outsmart him and get it right. It happened,” Russell said while interacting with Varun Chakravarthy for BCCI.

“The last time he took us apart in Chennai. This time, I planned to get him out. First-ball yorker and it happened. I backed myself,” he added. “He wasn’t (expecting the yorker).”

On the other hand, Russell asked Chakravarthy why he doesn’t celebrate his wickets. The mystery spinner answered that he wants to stay focussed and not veer off the track in excitement.

“I want 24 wickets in a match (laughs). It’s just that I want to stay focused and not get distracted. If I celebrate too much, I will end up losing focus on what I need to do next. But later on, I do celebrate,” he said.

KKR will next face MI at the same venue on Thursday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

India’s Junior Men Clinch Bronze with Gritty 2-1 Win Over Australia in Four Nations Tournament

The Indian junior men’s hockey team wrapped up their campaign at the Four Nations Tournament… Read More

June 26, 2025

Suryakumar Yadav Undergoes Successful Sports Hernia Surgery, Eyes Return for Bangladesh Tour

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has successfully undergone surgery for a sports hernia in his… Read More

June 26, 2025

Golden Glove Winner Jaspreet Singh Joins Bengaluru FC in Key Summer Move

Bengaluru FC have taken a decisive step toward rebuilding their squad by signing goalkeeper Jaspreet… Read More

June 26, 2025

Ravi Shastri says opening Test loss against England is a tough pill to swallow for India

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the opening Test loss against England is a… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says England batters’ approach made Jasprit Bumrah desperate for wickets in 2nd innings of 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes England batters were able to find a way… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says Karun Nair will be disappointed with his opening Test performance against England

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Karun Nair will be disappointed after he failed… Read More

June 26, 2025