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West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell is pleased to return to the Eden Gardens for the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) home games when the two-time champions will face off against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their first home game in three years on Thursday, April 6. It is even special for the West Indian, who will play his 100th IPL match in front of the Kolkata fans.
Eden Gardens hosted the playoff matches in IPL 2022 but have not played at Eden Gardens since 2019. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) will also have a special drone show during the first match of the season in Kolkata in front of a packed crowd, especially after they lost their opening match of the season against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mohali.
"I always try to do my best whenever I represent KKR, but it's something special when you are home. You get a boundary, you get a wicket, and the home support cheers that you get from the crowd, really inspire all of us. It's inspired me for the last couple of years, playing here.
Russell started in the IPL with the erstwhile Delhi Daredevils but really come on his own with the KKR, soon proving to be an immovable asset in the squad alongside compatriot Sunil Narine. He joined the franchise in 2014 and has been with them ever since.
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"IPL is all about playing in front of your home team, home ground, home fans. It's been a few years since we have had this environment. I am happy and ready to go. Hopefully, we can get the ball rolling and start well. I am just looking forward to giving back to fans who come to support us," the all-rounder added.
KKR lost their first match under the leadership of stand-in captain Nitish Rana as Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out with a back injury. Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has pulled out of the season, with the Kolkata-based outfit bringing in England opener Jason Roy as his replacement.
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