Andre Russell's 3 best knocks against PBKS in the IPL

Andre Russell has been a stalwart of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since making his first appearance way back in 2012, he has featured in 109 games, most of them for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Representing the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has been a beautiful story in Russell's life, one that the West Indian acknowledges and cherishes.

In an interview a few days back, Andre Russell mentioned that he doesn't see himself playing for any other IPL team apart from KKR.

"Where I was, a few years ago, KKR actually make things happen for me where they send me to get proper treatments on my knees. That's something special to me, to be honest. No other franchise or even my country ever really invest that much in me," he said.

Over the years, he has played some special innings for the team which will always be remembered by fans of the game. While he has done well against most teams, one side which has had to face his wrath on many occasions is Punjab Kings (PBKS).

On that note, here's a look at Andre Russell's three best knocks against PBKS in the cash-rich league.

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#1 42 off 23 balls (Kolkata, IPL 2023)

This is Andre Russell's most recent exploit against the Mohali-based franchise. In a game between Punjab and Kolkata, the former won the toss and opted to bat first. They put up a total of 179 on the board on a wicket that was not the easiest to bat on.

KKR got off to a decent start but still required 65 runs from 38 deliveries when Russell came out to bat. He ended up playing a gem of an innings, scoring 42 of 23 balls, including three fours and sixes each. He and Rinku Singh together helped KKR beat Punjab in a last-ball thriller.

He was adjudged as the Player of the Match and his skipper Nitish Rana was all praise for the big man.

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#2 51 off 21 balls (Kolkata, IPL 2015)

In a match between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Kings XI Punjab (now known as Punjab Kings) in 2015, the latter batted first and compiled a score of 183 in their designated 20 overs. Many of their batters got starts but couldn't convert them into big knocks. Andre Russell picked up a crucial wicket towards the backend of the first innings.

During the chase, Russell came out to bat with KKR needing 102 in 9.1 overs. Wickets tumbled at the other end but Russell stepped up to the task and delivered for his side.

The hard-hitting all-rounder smashed 51 off 21 deliveries with the help of four sixes to help KKR win the game with one delivery to spare. Andre Russell's efforts helped him to win the award for the Player of the Match.

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#3 70 off 31 balls (Mumbai, IPL 2022)

In a low-scoring match between the Punjab Kings and the Knight Riders in the previous edition, Andre Russell came to the party to take his team across the line.

Batting first, PBKS were bowled out for just 137 as Umesh Yadav picked up a four-wicket haul. Russell also scalped the wicket of Kagiso Rabada towards the end of the innings.

It seemed like KKR would win the game easily. However, they got off to a poor start as PBKS restricted them to 56/4 before Russell took over.

He smashed 70 runs off just 31 deliveries and hit eight huge sixes to end the game with 33 deliveries to spare. This is by far one of Russell's best performances in the Indian Premier League.