‘This is a big gift’, says Andre Russell after helping KKR to IPL glory

The 36-year-old West Indian all-rounder was among the star performers for KKR on the night in Channai, as they demolished the Sunrisers Hyderbad by eight wickets in a lopsided final.

Russell bagged three wickets for 19 runs from 2.3 overs to dismiss their opponent for 113 in the 19th over.

Fellow West Indian teammate Sunil Narine, who was later named player of the tournament, was also among the wickets. Narine only made six runs batting at the top of the innings, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39) and Venkatesh Iyer (52 not out from 26 balls) shared in a rapid second-wicket partnership of 91 to seal victory in 10.3 overs.

There were many subplots throughout this IPL season with many questioning the Knight Riders faith in Russell whose consistent form had left him due to various types of injuries.

This season though the Old Harbour native proved that form is temporary but class is permanent, chipping in at crucial stages in each game. His role as a finisher in the side was a masterstroke, as the big hitter recorded a strike rate of 185.00, higher than is overall IPL numbers.

No wonder he was seen wiping tears from his eyes as KKR players and fans celebrated wildly. When Russell joined the KKR they had just won their second IPL trophy in 2014. He was drafted by the franchise to improve their chances of winning more silverware. But it didn’t happen until 10 seasons later. 

This is why this triumph means so much to Russell who has finally had his redemption, repaying the faith the KKR had in him.

At the end of the final, he said: "I don't have the words to explain right now. It means so much with all the fans supporting us throughout since the start of the season and we as the players going game after game and getting the job done.

"This franchise has done so much for me, helping with my fitness. This is a big gift to all of them, I'm so happy."

Speaking to IPL T20 media, Russell would also add: “This is special to me to be honest. I have never really played in a final for KKR. I have been there in 2014 when they won their second championship. To be a part of this and played a role in this and getting three wickets, three important wickets as well, so I am delighted and happy for this franchise.”

Meantime Russell, Narine and Nicholas Pooran were among the West Indies players named in this season’s IPL T20 Best XI.

West Indies fans will now hope that the class and form Russell and Pooran will rise to the occasion in the ICC T20 World Cup set to begin June 1 in the Caribbean and the United States.