He won two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In fact, he was one of the most important players in 2012 and 2014. Sunil Narine is a KKR legend. His off-spin and other turns mesmerised batters and won his team numerous matches.
The other man did not win a title with KKR, but won hearts. At a match against Chennai Super Kings when the majority of spectators sported ‘Dhoni’ shirts, the rest were wearing jerseys with ‘Russell’ printed on the back. Andre Russell delivered a number of match-winning performances for KKR.
Both were KKR icons. In a team which rarely had any local connect after the first few seasons, two players from the West Indies became the most identifiable figures. That does not happen very often. Chances are high that Saturday evening will witness Narine and Russell playing for KKR at Eden Gardens for the last time. They were not quite at their best this season and, who knows, may not be retained in 2024.
Narine was an absolute sorcerer until the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the doosra. He was almost unplayable on what used to be turning pitches at the Eden in those days. Even after the doosra was disallowed and he underwent corrective measures on his action, the man from Trinidad named after Sunil Gavaskar remained relevant. He remodelled himself and remained a force to reckon with.
Russell was a terror for opposition bowlers. Few players in IPL history made 80 off 40-odd balls so many times. Most of his runs came from heaves towards the cow corner. He was predictable, but still quite deadly. There was enormous power in those shots. The all-rounder from Jamaica was handy with the ball and took some stunning catches as well.
But for both Narine and Russell, those powers seem to have waned. Narine was quite ordinary this season. Russell did hit sixes and put in a Player of the Match performance once, but was not consistent. There are other reasons, but the KKR team suffered because two of their most reliable players failed to deliver the kind of performances that they were expected to. Russell earns Rs 12 crores a season, and Narine Rs 6 crores. So they are costly buys, mind you. Where is the return on investment?
Chances are high that KKR fans at the Eden will see these two in the purple jersey for the final time. Most franchises are unkind when it comes to underperformance. They do not care about the past, but look at the present and future instead. Going by that logic, there is every possibility that the KKR management will take a strict look at two of their legendary and iconic figures.
They entertained, and brought joy to the fans. It was fun while it lasted, but nothing lasts forever!
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