‘I swing hard and I believe in my ability’ – Andre Russell

A still head, a clear mind, a big swing and some mind games – Andre Russell brought out all his best tricks in an entertaining 49* off 25 balls on Wednesday.

Russell’s knock at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which included three fours and five sixes, came in the high-pressure Eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. It kept his team alive in their hunt for a third IPL title, while knocking out Rajasthan Royals.

His performance kept his strike-rate for the season at a remarkable 190.85. It continued his good form since his return to the game after nearly a year on the sidelines, and bodes well for Windies, for whom he will feature in the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge at Lord’s on 31 May.

Coming in with his team on 106/5 in 14.2 overs, Russell ensured they finished at an above-par 169/7, before taking the new ball for figures of 0/22 in three overs in the 25-run win.

“It’s all about being balanced, have a still base and make sure you get bat to ball,” explained the all-rounder after the match. “For me, once I get bat to ball, I know it will either be a four or a six. I swing very hard, and I believe in my ability.”

Russell began cautiously against spin, but was aggressive against pace. One of the highlights of his innings was a six off Jofra Archer, where he flat-batted a slower bouncer into the stands, just like a forehand six.

There were some nerves, he admitted. But it all came down to having a clear head.

“I have this tendency, when I’m going out to bat, I just run out. That’s the thing that puts fear in bowlers’ minds. The intimidation, running out, looking confident, even if you’re not confident,” he explained. “You can’t see inside and say Russell is nervous. I am looking confident, I’m looking in bowlers’ eyes, let them know I’m here at the crease.”

Kolkata next take on Kane Williamson's Sunrisers Hyderabad to decide who will face off against Chennai Super Kings in the final.