THE Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will continue to worry about the fitness of Windies all-rounder Andre Russell after he sustained an injury in Saturday’s loss to Kings XI Punjab.
Russell was forced to leave the pitch early in the team’s attempt to defend its first innings total of 191. The injury occurred when the 29-year-old strode in to deliver the fifth ball of the fourth over in KXIP’s innings but had to stop at the last minute before delivering the ball.

Russell fell to the floor clutching his thigh and was immediately removed from the attack. Another savage knock from in-form batsman Chris Gayle, who slammed an unbeaten 62, eventually led Kings XI to a nine-wicket Duckworth Lewis victory.

Russell, who only recently recovered from a one-year doping whereabouts violation suspension, was a major doubt for the IPL after sustaining a hamstring injury while taking part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The Jamaican, however, put in an extra shift to be ready in time for the tournament. The extent of the injury is still being assessed but losing Russell, who the team retained despite the suspension would be a Major blow.