IPL 2022: Knew hard length will work against Andre Russell – Avesh Khan

Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Avesh Khan has revealed his plan while bowling against Kolkata Knight Riders power-hitter Andre Russell at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Saturday. Khan said that he wanted to bowl a hard length against Russell as the all-rounder has been dismissed in the past while facing the same kind of deliveries.

The right-arm fast bowler added that the strategy was to stick to his plan even if he gets hit by the West Indian. Meanwhile, Russell was going all guns blazing as he scored 45 runs off just 19 balls but Khan was able to put an end to his knock. Russell was giving a glimmer of hope to KKR with his blistering knock after they were reduced to 25-4 inside seven overs while chasing a par score of 177 runs.

However, Khan was able to get the big wicket of the big man at the right time. Furthermore, Avesh Khan accounted for Nitish Rana and Anukul Roy. The fast bowler from Madhya Pradesh returned with impressive figures of 3-19 in his three overs and thus he was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine spell.

Avesh Khan said in the post-match presentation, “Goal was to get him out (Russell). Had a chat with Rahul, and the talk was that if I get hit for six off a hard length ball, I’ll still back it. Have seen him get out to that length. He’s one player who can singlehandedly win the game. My dad always motivates me, even the coaches here, and Gautam and Rahul. The role is to take wickets and win games. In the last four matches, we’ve bowled second, so we have an idea of the pitch.”

On the other hand, Jason Holder also did a fine job for Lucknow Super Giants. Holder scored a little cameo of 4-ball 13 whereas he also snared three wickets in his spell. The all-rounder was delighted with his performance.

He said, “Extremely happy. I think it was an excellent team effort, the bowlers did an excellent job defending that total. I thought the wicket was not easy to start on but as you get a hang of the pace of the wicket you can score and strike easily. Credit must be given to the bowlers, I thought we held our nerve with the bat to post a 170+ total. The guys said it is not easy and a lot of the guys (bowlers) went into the wicket which paid out well and was the right thing to do. We complement each other well and it is not an individual or a couple of individuals who have stood out for the season, I think in each game an individual keeps putting their hand up. We have all bought into what KL is pushing down to us.”

Lucknow Super Giants will next face Gujarat Titans at the MCA, Pune on Tuesday.