Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star all-rounder Andre Russell injured his left shoulder after being hit by a bouncer during the team’s practice session at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
It happened at the fag end of the day’s session when Russell failed to pick a bouncer from net bowler Minad Manjrekar and fell on the ground. He was seen writhing in pain as the support staff rushed to the ground.
It is the same left shoulder where Russell was hit by a Harshal Patel bouncer during KKR’s match against Delhi Capitals at the Feroz Shah Kotla earlier this season.
As Russell lied on the ground, he was treated with an ice pack. “He was assessed and there was no major injury like fracture or dislocation,” a team source said.
However, it is being said that Russell walked back to the dressing room with the support staff, but there is still a question mark on his availability for KKR’s next match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), as he is awaiting the result of the test, which is likely to be known on Thursday (April 18).
If he sustains serious injury, it will be a big blow for the KKR, as the Jamaican cricketer has single-handedly won matches for the franchise so far in the tournament.
While Russell’s availability is a big concern for KKR, who are placed sixth in the points table, there would be no shortage of inspiration for skipper Dinesh Karthik, who got the nod in the 15-member Indian squad for the upcoming World Cup.
