IPL 2023: You will 100 laptop win us a sport: How Nitish Rana’s perception for Andre Russell pays off as KKR beat PBKS

By India Today Sports Desk: Nitish Rana talked about that he not at all misplaced faith in Andre Russell’s abilities with the bat no matter a string of poor performances. On Monday, May 8, Russell carried out a blinder to help the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) beat the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 5 wickets on the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Russell gained the award for the Player of the Match after he scored 42 runs off 23 balls with the help of three fours and as many sixes. Although he purchased out throughout the penultimate ball of the run-chase, KKR went earlier the top line on account of Rinku Singh’s 4 off Arshdeep Singh.

“When I was batting, I wanted to hold one end. Venky had a problem with his ankle so we were trying to get one big over here and there. 10 matches have gone, we were all waiting for that one Russell innings to come. He was one innings away, I kept backing him saying you have done a lot, and you will 100% win us a game,” Rana talked about throughout the post-match presentation ceremony.

Rana talked about that he was “angry” with the KKR bowlers didn’t ship in the direction of the Kings, conceding 179 runs.

“This pitch was a feel of home advantage as well. Our bowlers bowled badly at the death, I was angry that we conceded that many because this was a 160-165 run wicket,” Rana mentioned.

Rana moreover lauded Rinku for having fun with but yet another match-winning knock and holding his nerve beneath pressure. Rinku stayed not out on 21 off 10 balls and likewise garnered reward from Andre Russell after the game.

“(On Rinku) I just keep telling him, believe in yourself because what you have achieved is something not many people ever will. When he was batting, the whole crowd was chanting ‘Rinku, Rinku’. That is what he has earned this year. I’ve been at this franchise for many years now, I’m used to the Eden crowd screaming ‘Russell, Russell’ but to hear them shout ‘Rinku, Rinku’ makes me feel very happy and proud. That’s the respect he has earned this season,” he added.

With the win, the Knights went to fifth throughout the desk with 10 elements courtesy of wins in 5 out of 10 matches.