Andre Russell, the swashbuckling West Indies all-rounder and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) heartthrob, has recently revealed that he gets “goosebumps” when the 70-odd thousand Eden Gardens crowd cheer for him during high-pressure Indian Premier League (IPL) games. In fact, according to the Jamaican, it’s the fans’ passionate support that gives him the adrenaline rush to trigger the huge sixes of his bat.
“IPL is where I get the most goosebumps when I am playing cricket. 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,” said the 32-year-old, while speaking on KKR’s official ‘Knights Unplugged’ online show.
“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,” he revealed further.
Russell even went on to say that he would like to be associated with KKR until his last appearance in the IPL, and that his last “home” game at the Eden Gardens will be an emotional moment.
“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. 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 [Most Valuable Player] 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,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, Russell spoke further about dealing with being away from his wife and new-born daughter. Both were in Miami when global travel restrictions were imposed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“She [his daughter] and Jassym, they are both in Miami. I stay connected to them and talk to them. I wish I could have them here, but with all these travel restrictions, we cannot do anything,” he said.
“It’s not really a situation anyone would want to be in. This is affecting the world, it’s affecting me, preventing me from hitting sixes. Hope this thing calms down in a month or two and we can go back to normal life again.”