IPL 2019: Bhuvneshwar Kumar reveals his game plan to dismiss Andre Russell during SRH v KKR match

Russell managed only 15 off 9 balls against SRH on Sunday.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's game plan worked against Russell | IANS

One of the deadliest T20 batsmen, Andre Russell, has always been on the radar and probably an uphill task for the bowlers to stop a rampant all-rounder, given his terrific form in the ongoing IPL 2019.  

In the 38th match on the ongoing 12th edition in Hyderabad, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were also set to face a major threat when they locked horns against the struggling Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)- who came to the match on the back of four consecutive defeats, on Sunday, 21st April, though, there was Bhuvneshwar Kumar who made the job easy for the hosts here.

The destructive Russell has been in firing mode with the willow, taking the ongoing IPL 2019 by storm with a stunning strike rate of over 250, and was looking to set the stage on fire with another glamorous batting display in Hyderabad, but SRH pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar was not in mood to allow the all-rounder to grip his foot at the home ground on Sunday.

Coming into bat when KKR were 128 for 4 in 15.3 overs, Russell made a sounding start with the willow, but India seamer managed to keep him quiet by varying his lengths to outfox the in-form Windies all-rounder for a 9-ball 15, though, he managed to get two maximums at packed Hyderabad Stadium.

Following SRH’s massive victory of 9 wickets at home, Bhuvneshwar revealed the game plan that he made during the mid-innings break, saying he didn't want to be predictable with his line and lengths in front of Russell and he is happy with his bowling despite giving away 2 sixes to the all-rounder.

Bhuvneshwar told media, “We had got a plan for him. I wouldn’t mind giving him two sixes and getting him out. I wanted to mix it up for him. I bowled two yorkers, one slower ball, and one bouncer to him. I just didn’t want to bowl only yorkers to him. The wicket is but on the slower side. If you have wickets in hands after the six overs, you can chase it. Just wanted to go through a few games to get my rhythm back. The way I am bowling now, I am pretty happy.”

Noteworthy, SRH will next play table-toppers Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday, 23rd April in Chennai.

(With Hindustan Times Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 22 Apr, 2019

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