Neither playing internationally for West Indies nor when he turns up at the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), it is when wearing the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) jersey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that Andre Russell says he most enjoys his cricket. Russell made this confession in an interview for KKR's website.
The big Jamaican has been one of the key members of the team KKR since first playing for the franchise in 2014. His ability to hit sixes at will and chip-in with crucial overs adds amazing balance to the side.
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"Let me confess something. IPL is where I get the most goosebumps when I am playing cricket," Russell was quoted as saying on kkr.in. "I get that in the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) as well, but when it comes to playing in the IPL, especially at Eden Gardens, there is no comparison to that crowd."
"When I walk out before facing a ball, I have goosebumps all over me because of the welcome that I get. That’s pure love, and yes it puts pressure on me. But it's a good kind of pressure. When Kolkata needs 12 or 13 runs per over, with only 5 overs to go - I love those moments, and the crowd really allows me to do what I need to do."
Russell also expressed gratitude towards the Eden Gardens crowd.
"I get a feeling they are telling me: 'Listen, we have got your back, so just go out and do your business.' If everyone was sad, and there was no noise, no entrance, that would maybe make me feel the pressure more."
"But I know even if I fail two games straight, when I come out to bat for the third game, it is the same deafening reaction I will get from the crowd. It's always a welcoming thing."
The 32-year-old, who has often lit up the IPL with his performances, wishes to remain with the KKR till his last day in professional cricket.
"Just like players in big (football) leagues like English Premier League, or the Basketball guys (at NBA) retiring from the sport say 'okay, this is my last game' and they wave goodbye to the crowd - I imagine I would love to be at KKR until that moment in my career."
"I'd say, ‘Listen, Shah Rukh, all the KKR staff, everyone. This will be my last IPL and the last home game playing in Kolkata.' It would be such an emotional moment," he said.
"I sometimes watch videos and I see footballers crying and I'm wondering if I would actually cry, but that's the special thing about playing at a club for so long and getting so attached."
"You know someday you're going to go out. I've been at KKR for 6 seasons now and I enjoy every bit - getting the MVP award and all is good, but I want more. I really need that cup as well, and I am really hoping that we can have the IPL this year, so we can become the Champions," Russell added.
(Inputs from KKR)
