Kolkata Knight Riders, who have a new think tank in place headed by coach Brendon McCullum, are exploring the options of promoting their explosive all-rounder Andre Russell at number three, team mentor David Hussey said on Sunday.
The star Jamaican, who was adjudged the Most Valuable Player last season, had blamed some “bad decisions” for the two-time former champions missing out on the playoffs.
Hussey said they are thinking of different combinations this season, which includes promoting Russell at three.
“If it benefits the team and helps us win games of cricket, why not? If that means Andre Russell comes in at three and bats 60 balls, he might actually make a double hundred. Anything can happen with Dre Russ,” Hussey said in a news conference here.
Russell scored 510 runs from 13 innings, averaging 56.66 and also picked up 11 wickets.
Terming Russell as the heartbeat of the team, the former Australia cricketer said: “A fantastic player, he is probably almost the heartbeat of the team as well.
“We’ve actually got really a well-balanced team... Anyone can bat in any different position. But if it benefits the team, why not, why can’t he bat up the list.”