Andre Russell ruled out of remainder of PSL 2018
What's the story?
West Indies star all-rounder Andre Russell has been ruled out of the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018 season courtesy of a hamstring injury. While playing for Islamabad United against the Karachi Kings on Saturday, Russell pulled his right hamstring in the very first over of the match, while fielding at long off. Neither did he bowl in the game, nor was he required to bat in Islamabad's chase.
"Russell was injured during the game against Karachi Kings and MRI results were not encouraging. He will not take any further part in the tournament," an Islamabad United official told Geo.tv.
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The 29-year-old had just returned to competitive cricket in the PSL this year, following a one-year ban imposed on him by the ICC after he was found guilty of violating a doping rule. His ban expired in January this year, thus allowing him to participate in the tournament approved by the governing body.
The heart of the matter
So far in the tournament, Russell's side, the Islamabad United, have played five games, including the game in which he injured himself, and have registered three wins and two losses. The Jamaican contributed with four wickets for his side at a measly average of 22.25, and against the Lahore Qalandars, his last-ball six gave his team a win in the Super Over, after the match was initially tied.
What's next?
Not only has the hamstring struggle ruled him out of the PSL, but it has also put his fitness for the upcoming IPL, which begins from April 7, in doubt. The Kolkata Knight Riders had retained him ahead of the auctions this year, and will now be keenly observing his progress.
Author's take
An injury to any major player during or just prior to an important tournament affects a team's preparations and the story will be no different for the Islamabad United and the Kolkata Knight Riders. The Knight Riders are already having to deal with the fragile Chris Lynn, whose latest injury, a shoulder trouble during the BBL, eliminated him from the PSL, also putting his IPL participation in doubt.