Kolkata Knight Riders has qualified for the IPL 2021 playoffs. Meanwhile, it has been without Andre Russell, who has an injury, while David Hussey reveals if he would feature in the playoffs.
Former champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has produced dominating gameplay display in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. As a result, it is confident of a playoffs berth.
However, it has played its past few matches without its prime all-rounder Andre Russell, who is nursing an injury. With KKR set to play the eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), it would be looking to have Russell's services desperately, as chief mentor David Hussey has revealed that he should be fit for the clash on Monday.
"He had a fitness test yesterday. I think he is maybe a game away, so I think he will be pushing hard to get back in for the final, which will be a huge boost for us and the competition. He is world-class, and he provides lots of entertainment," he said during the post-match press conference after KKR humiliated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 86 runs to seal its playoffs berth.
KKR skipper Eoin Morgan too clarified on the same by saying, "We are taking it day by day. We know that he heals quickly. He has proved that last year. He had a two-and-a-half inch hamstring tear last year and came back in two weeks. He is working incredibly hard and hoping we get through as is everybody else."
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KKR has won five of its seven matches in the UAE leg, compared to its two during the India leg, completely turning things this time around. In the same light, Hussey credited head coach Brendon McCullum for playing a significant role.
"He is so cool and calm that he's got this plan and vision for the team to go forward. He believes in every player to play their best. He makes everybody feel that they are the most important person in the team. Brendon should take a lot of credit for the way everybody's playing here tonight. Great for him because he's been through a lot," he reckoned.