IPL 2022: Andre Russell holds record for most sixes in ongoing season

Andre Russell had fallen for 25 after a
spark against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the previous game. But on Friday,
in the game against Punjab Kings, Russell made his presence felt for the first
time in IPL 2022 with a blitzkrieg 70 off 31 balls as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) registered a
six-wicket win over the Punjab side at the Wankhede Stadium.

Also Read: KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer praises ‘fitter Umesh Yadav’ after win vs PBKS

After bowlers bundled out Punjab Kings for 137 in 18.2 overs, with Umesh Yadav ripping through their defence to
scalp four wickets, KKR were a deep trouble as they were reduced to 51 for 4. But
then as Russell arrived on the pitch, he made a mockery of Punjab Kings
bowlers, pulling off 141 for 4 in just 14.3 overs to complete the chase.

Russell, during his unbeaten knock, smashed
eight sixes and two boundaries to the thrill of spectators.

Also Read: IPL 2022: MS Dhoni in limelight with a sixer despite CSK defeat against LSG

“It was such a relief to see him hit
so clearly. Simply outstanding hitting. It was Russell muscle, for
serious,” a happy KKR captain Shreyas Iyer said at the post-match press
conference.

Rusell’s innings proved to be the
difference between both teams. The Jamaican all-rounder smashed five sixes to
complete his half-century in just 25 deliveries. He hit three more maximum as
KKR reached home in 14.3 overs.

Also Read: IPL 2022: Lucknow Super Giants beat Chennai Super Kings by 6 wickets

With these eight sixes in an innings
against Punjab Kings, the 33-year-old now holds the record for most sixes in
IPL 2022. In the previous game against RCB, he smashed three sixes. So, he now
has 11 sixes in the ongoing season of the T20 league.

Also Read: KL Rahul opens up on ‘cute, very nice relationship’ with AB de Villiers

Odean Smith faced the wrath of Russell’s
onslaught as PBKS all-rounder conceded a mammoth 30 runs in his second over of
the game. Russell smashed three sixes off Smith while Sam Billings dispatched
him for another six and a boundary to make it the most expensive over of IPL
2022 so far.