Andre Russell hit a blistering knock against the Kings XI Punjab to post the highest total in an IPL game in Eden Gardens. Kolkata Knight Riders posted 218 on the board. Kings XI lost their openers quite early and there was little hope after that.

The West Indian all-rounder scored 48 runs off 17 balls including 3 fours and 5 sixes. However, Russell got a reprieve when he was on just 3 runs off 4 balls. Mohammad Shami bowled a perfect yorker and dismissed Russell.

Russell was going back to the pavilion when the umpires suddenly realized that there were only 3 fielders inside the 30-yard circle opposed to the compulsory minimum of 4. Thus, it was given a no-ball and Russell got a life. He then made full use of it scoring 45 runs off 12 balls since then.

After the match, Ashwin mentioned that debutant Varun Chakravarthy was supposed to be back in the circle which he did not and thus the mistake happened.

Russell said in a post-match interview, "Thanks to that guy who was outside the ring. It's the new guy, forgot his name. Thank you. When I got bowled, I thought I'd missed out but I saw the guys in the dugout signaling no-ball and I was like, please God, let it be a no-ball."

After talking about his batting exploits, he was asked about the bowling plan to KXIP. He said, "Gayle's like a brother to me. A legend and to get him out early in the first six is big. The plan was to restrict him as best as possible. KL Rahul too. We have our plans and we executed them."

Ravichandran Ashwin once again faced the heat from the fans. After the mankading incident, Ashwin was once again in the news. In the post-match interview, the KXIP skipper said, "I should've had a look at it. At that stage, with the slog on, you hope the fielders are switched on but obviously, he was a debutant."

(Source: India Today)