'They listen to all the experienced guys': Andre Russell praises KKR's young players

NEW DELHI: After Kolkata Knight Riders' triumph over Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2024, KKR all-rounder Andre Russell commended the young players in his team, stating that they are keen to gain knowledge from the seasoned players in the Knight Riders squad.
With the match shortened to 16 overs per side due to rain interruption earlier in the day, KKR spinners made a remarkable comeback, disrupting MI's chase of 158 runs and limiting them to 139/8 in 16 overs during the IPL 2024 match at Eden Gardens on Saturday.This victory secured the two-time champions a spot in the playoffs, making them the first team to qualify.
The Caribbean player emphasized his dedication to fitness and expressed his willingness to contribute in any way that benefits the team.
"We batted first, so we knew it (pitch) was a bit sticky and something in it for the spinners as well. Based on our bowling attack we felt that was good enough. They got off to a good start, we pulled it back brilliantly. Our bowlers won it for us. He (SKY) is a 360 guy. I tried to keep it as simple as possible. I think it's just about belief. The older you get the more experience you get. Have worked on my fitness and happy to do whatever the team needs. I have been doing as much talking as I can (to the team). We have a lot of youngsters. Everyone wants to do well. They listen to all the experienced guys and they are willing to learn," Russell said in the post-match interview.
In the match, which was reduced to 16 overs per side due to rain, MI won the toss and chose to field first. Despite losing openers Phil Salt and Sunil Narine early, KKR managed to reach 157/7 in their 20 overs, thanks to valuable contributions from Venkatesh Iyer (42 in 21 balls), Nitish Rana (33 in 23 balls), Andre Russell (24 in 14 balls), and Rinku Singh (20 in 12 balls).
ALSO SEE: IPL POINTS TABLE
During MI's run-chase, Ishan Kishan (40 in 22 balls) and Rohit Sharma (19 in 24 balls) formed a solid 65-run opening partnership. However, KKR's bowlers quickly regained control and took wickets at regular intervals. Despite the efforts of Tilak Varma (32 in 17 balls) and Naman Dhir (17 in six balls), MI fell short by 18 runs, finishing at 139/8 in their 20 overs.
KKR currently sit at the top of the points table with nine wins and three losses, accumulating 18 points. On the other hand, MI find themselves at the bottom with four wins and nine losses, amassing only eight points.
(Inputs from ANI)