West Indies’ star Andre Russell says playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the India Premier League (IPL) is where he gets the ‘most goosebumps’ and wants to remain in this franchise till his very last game in the T20 tournament.
Dre Russ was speaking to KKR’s official ‘Knights Unplugged’ online show. The Jamaican is currently at home as the IPL 2020 has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Let me confess something, IPL is where I get the most goosebumps. I get that in CPL (Caribbean Premier League) as well, but when it comes to playing in IPL, especially Eden Gardens, there is no comparison,” the 32-year-old said referring to his team’s home ground in Kolkata.
“The welcome I get, that’s love. It puts pressure on me, but it’s good pressure,” he added.
Russell said the Eden Gardens’ crowd has been supportive towards him even when he failed to deliver and that’s why it’s the one place, he would like to call it quits as and when he does.
“I would love to be at KKR until that moment when I say that this will be my last IPL. I have been at KKR for six seasons, and I enjoyed every bit of it,” he said.
“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 added further.
Russell also said that he hopes that KKR can win a third title this season. “You know someday you’re going to go out. I’ve been at KKR for six seasons now, and I enjoy every bit – getting the MVP 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 that we can become the Champions,” concluded.
In IPL 2019, a surprise party was organised for Russell who apparently was unaware of it. His wife Jassym Lora with support from the KKR players was able to execute the party.
