Andre Russell’s exit makes KKR vulnerable against Gujarat Lions

Andre Russell has been ruled out following a leg injury and will miss his next game against Gujarat Lions.

Andre Russell will not play the crucial match against Gujarat Lions for his team Kolkata Knight Riders on May 19. The 28-year old all rounder limped off the field midway through the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday with a suspected injury to his left leg.

News has been reported that he did not travel with the squad that reached Kanpur on Tuesday evening ascertaining hid omission from the next game against Gujarat Lions.

Russell is currently the tournament’s third highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps, and Knight Riders’ fourth highest run-scorer with 188 runs. Kolkata Knight Riders is on 2nd spot in the league table but needed to win both their remaining matches to confirm a place in the playoffs.

Knight Riders have 14 points from 12 games and have to face Gujarat Lions (away) and Sunrisers Hyderabad at home. Sunrisers Hyderabad with 16 points with two matches remaining are all but sure of qualifying for the playoffs. They can confirm their spot with a win in one of the remaining two matches against Delhi and Kolkata.

The match between KKR and Gujarat Lions will be neck to neck competition because neither team can afford defeat if they were to book their berth in the playoffs.