Andre Russell has made a tweak or two to his batting to go with his brute power and bat swing ahead of this year’s IPL.
One of them is taking the stance a little deeper inside the crease, which was seen even during the Kolkata Knight Riders’ training session on Thursday, the eve of their away clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
“I’ve made a few changes in my batting. Having a short stride and being consistent with it is working for me,” Russell, who hit 64 not out off 25 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, stated.
“I’ve noticed that most big-hitters don’t really have a big stride forward. Besides, I’m trying to move as late as possible and the rest is up to my hand-eye coordination.”
On a mission to become “leaner and stronger”, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (mixed martial arts competition) athletes are an inspiration for Russell, which he feels will make him an even better cricketer.
“Seeing those strong, lean UFC guys motivate me a lot. If I follow them, I believe it can help me in bowling, fielding and batting as well. So, I use it (UFC) as a platform to say, ‘I want to look like that’.
“Even if I can’t, it’s fine as I’ll be getting stronger and keep doing all the amazing things I’ve done,” Russell said.
A clear mindset, too, enables Russell in his execution with the bat at the death.
“I’ve had some good seasons in the IPL when I’ve smashed it all over. Watching those
videos, I realised I was clear in my mindset towards every delivery.
“’Don’t want to get out’ is a negative mindset for me. I just back myself and whatever happens, happens,” he said.
Mujeeb out
The Knight Riders will be missing Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman in this IPL as he is injured. His countrymate, 16-year-old off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar, will be the replacement.
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, brought in South Africa left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj in place of pacer Prasidh Krishna, who’s currently recovering after surgery on his left proximal quadriceps tendon.
