IPL 2020: Andre Russell might score 200 if he bats at No. 3, says KKR mentor

Will IPL 2020 see T20 format's first-ever double hundred? KKR mentor David Hussey backed Andre Russell to score 200 in IPL

Bengaluru: Big-hitting West Indian Andre Russell could bat at number three for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2020 and the world could see the T20 format’s maiden double century, feels Kolkata franchise’s mentor David Hussey.

In the last year’s IPL, there were numerous debates on Russell’s batting position. And, he too had expressed his desire to bat at No. 4.

“I believe that (I should bat higher up the order). Honestly, you have to sometimes be flexible as a team. When you look at the make-up of our team, I don’t mind going to bat at No. 4,” the right-hander had said during IPL 2019.

Now, ahead of IPL 2020, which commences on September 19, Hussey feels Russell should bat at No. 3 if it benefits the team. Also, he said, Russell could hammer a double hundred batting in that spot.

“Why not? If it benefits the team and helps us win games of cricket, why not. If he comes in at No. 3 and bats 60 balls, he might even score a double-hundred. Anything can happen with Dre Russ. He is a fantastic player. He is almost the heartbeat of the team. We have got well-balanced team. Anyone can bat at any different position. If it benefits the team, why can’t he (Russell) bat up the list,” Hussey told a media conference.

Chris Gayle holds the record for the highest individual score in T20s. He had smashed 175 not out for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Pune Warriors (PW) in 2013.

We have to wait and watch whether Hussey’s words  will come true or not. KKR face Mumbai Indians (MI) in their first game on September 23.