Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Andre Russell’s dismissal in match 15 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was a big moment in the match as KKR eventually lost by 18 runs.
Russell who scored a quick-fire 54 off just 22 deliveries was dismissed by Sam Curran as the batsman misjudged the line of the ball and had his leg-stump knocked over.
Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir believes that it was a bluff as the field was set for delivery outside the off-stump.
“For me, I think it was a bluff. I thought it was great thinking because the entire field was set as if he was going to bowl wide outside off stump. And Russell probably was preparing for that because Shardul Thakur kept bowling outside off and that too those full-length balls,” Gambhir told ESPNcricinfo.
According to the left-hand batsman, the way Russell was hitting the ball, not only did he miss out on a possible century but also on a chance of finishing the game for his side.
“He had already smashed them for 24 in the first over, so I'm sure on his way back to the dressing room, he must be thinking that he lost a golden opportunity to score his hundred and also to finish off his game on his own, by the 16th, 17th overs,” the 39-year-old said.
“You don't get such opportunities often because you don't really play much at the Wankhede. He was smashing it. I'm sure he must be regretting it. Had he just defended that ball, KKR would have probably won that game,” he added.
After the game against CSK, the two-time champions will next face Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan Royals on Saturday (24 April) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
(With ESPNcricinfo inputs)
