Andre Russell was at his destructive best during Kolkata Knight Riders’ match against Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday. Chasing 221, he smashed 54 off 22 balls with three boundaries and six sixes. KKR though finished 18 runs short.

“Well, I was very emotional... I didn’t know how to go to the changing room and face all my teammates after leaving a ball and getting out bowled like that. You know the job is not complete and I wanted to take the team over the line. So I think the emotions got the best of me but staying strong,” Russell said ahead of their match against Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai on Saturday.

“Once I’m there, you know everything is possible. Yeah, I’ve done it before a lot of times. So fans can know that... no doubt even when it’s 100 runs in 20 balls, there’s always a possibility of 20 sixes… who knows?

“At the end of the day, we are not going to give up. We are going to keep fighting. It’s not the end of the world, never give up,” he remarked.

In a post-match interview, Eoin Morgan had said that he tends to stay away from Russell after he gets out.

The West Indies all-rounder admitted he wasn’t angry but heartbroken after being dismissed since he wanted to see the team through. “Well, when you get out and you know the job is not done, you tend to be angry and the hulk can come out. That night was different. I was very emotional and disappointed. I wanted to take it home so badly. I was heartbroken.”

Russell also had a message for fans and well wishers in these difficult times.

“In difficult times, you have to stay positive; you have to stay strong. Exercise, stay on the positive side and know that nothing lasts forever. The bad phase, the struggles... they don’t last forever. You go through it with a positive stance. You prepare for the greatness ahead.”