It was just cramps: Rana on Russell's injury concerns

Kolkata Knight Riders fans can heave a sigh of relief as Nitish Rana has confirmed that Andre Russell battled with cramps and not any injury in their 23-run defeat against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens on Friday, April 14. 

The all-rounder pulled up after bowling the first ball of his third over and was helped off the field by his teammates. However, the skipper of the Knight Riders stated it was barely cramps due to lack of water in the body. 

"It’s not an injury, and it’s just a cramp. 42 degrees is very warm and he (Russell) got cramps. Injury is different, and cramp is different. It’s because of dehydration, and the physio was out there. We need to ensure we are hydrated in these conditions," he said in the post-match press conference. 

While the hard-hitting batter walked into bat in the second innings, his movements seemed to be hampered as he struggled during his six-ball stay. Despite a string of lukewarm performances with the bat, Rana backed the Windies batter to come good in the remaining games.

"Russell is one of the biggest all-rounders in T20 cricket for us. If he can’t perform with the bat, I know he’ll perform with the ball, which he did today. In four games, I gave him the ball for the first time today, and he got two wickets early."

"Failures happen, and it is not like if Russell is there only he will score runs. If that happens, then really good for the team and me. We know his calibre, and 100 percent he will deliver," he further added. 

The 29-year-old also rued conceding too many runs in the first innings and stated 230 runs on any wicket would be a tough ask. 

"Chasing 230 is very difficult on any wicket. As a bowling unit, we could do better, but I won’t be too critical because these are the same bowlers who will also win me games going forward. There’s a lot to learn and deliver and as a group, we will talk about it.”

"I am happy with my batting unit. We had faith and someone or the other player has played an extraordinary inning over the last four matches, but this happens. To chase down 230, you have to bat really extraordinarily, which we didn’t do today," he concluded.

Kolkata Knight Riders will now face the Mumbai Indians in an afternoon encounter at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 16.