IPL 2018, Eliminator: 5 reasons why Rajasthan Royals lost to Kolkata Knightriders 

#3 Russell’s Whirlwind innings

Russell powered KKR to a strong finish

Kolkata Knight Riders batting first were in for some early trouble as they lost their first three wickets in the powerplay and Lynn was out fourth to reduce KKR to 51/4.

Thereafter, it was Captain Karthik and the rookie Shubman Gill steered the innings further. Gill was out in the 15th over, and KKR found themselves reeling at 106/5.

After Gill’s fall, it was the West Indian all-rounder who stepped up and delivered for Kolkata on the all-important stage.

Russell hammered 49(25) with three fours and five sixes to take KKR from 106/5 to 169/7 which proved to be the winning score.