'Playing a final without him is scarcely believable' - Twitter reacts after Andre Russell is omitted from KKR playing XI

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) decided to go in with the same playing XI from their previous match for the summit clash of the 2021 edition of the IPL against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). And, this means that all-rounder Andre Russell missed out on a berth in the KKR playing XI.

Andre Russell injured his hamstring on 26th September 2021, in his side’s league match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). And since then, Russell has been on the sidelines.

Also, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) chief mentor David Hussey had hinted that Russell had recovered from his injury, and might possibly find a spot in the playing XI for the final against CSK after the second Qualifier between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). “He was bowling before the game (against DC) today, so he might be in the mix,” Hussey had said after the conclusion of Qualifier 2.

Andre Russell has been a part of the KKR side since 2014

Andre Russell has been a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) side since 2014. The West Indian all-rounder has played 84 matches in the IPL, and has plundered 1700 runs at a frightening strike rate of 178.57.

With the ball too, the right arm pacer has scalped 72 wickets at an average of 26.40, and an excellent strike rate of just 17.51. And, the cricketing world has reacted to Russell’s omission from the playing XI for the 2021 IPL final.

While one fan tweeted that KKR did not include Russell as they did not want to tamper with their playing XI, another tweeted that KKR are chasing and still Russell is not a part of the KKR lineup.

Another felt sad that Russell had worked hard to regain his fitness, yet he has not been picked in the playing XI. Another user tweeted that CSK playing without Suresh Raina and KKR playing without Andre Russell is a scarcely believable scenario.

You can see how the fans have reacted below

If Andre Russell was fit and available he HAD TO play, no matter who did what in the previous matches. No indication that he wasn't fit. #CSKvKKR #IPL2021

— S. Sudarshanan (@Sudarshanan7) October 15, 2021

Omg #Russell is not there

— BILLIONAIRE CLUB (@BnbOcean) October 15, 2021

Chase without Russell..

— R. (@itzzRashmi) October 15, 2021

Russell ko na khilana bahut badi galti hai

— BABA🚬 (@SrkFanBABA) October 15, 2021

Andre Russell has not played in the IPL since 26th September…either his injury means he's racing against time to play in WC, or he's resting it out to be 100% for World Cup

— Caribbean Cricket Podcast (@CaribCricket) October 15, 2021

Should have picked Andre Russell.. missed it https://t.co/uRC2B0P7Iy

— Beast VJ (@Pokkiripaiyan) October 15, 2021

@KKRiders playing a final without Andre Russell and @ChennaiIPL playing one without Suresh Raina is scarcely believable but the right choices perhaps.#IPLFinal #IPL2021Final #CSKvsKKR #CSK #KKR

— Pritam Guha (@peezee31) October 15, 2021

Agar haar gye to Waiting for ANDRE RUSSELL INSTA Story😭.

He worked so hard to get fit and still he is not playing today 😭.

— KKR Bhakt💜🇮🇳 (@KKRSince2011) October 15, 2021

No Andre Russell while chasing on (probably) a batting friendly pitch. It's gonna be fun.

— Jaanvi 🏏 (@ThatCric8Girl) October 15, 2021

No Andre Russell,

KKR going in with the same team #CSKvKKR

— Moin Organ ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) October 15, 2021

Both teams playing with unchanged playing XI 😳 KKR playing IPL Final without Russell, Man I need this tyoe of confidence in my life 😭

— Ammar (@ammar__one18) October 15, 2021

Nah , I think #KKR is probably not tinkering with the balance of the 11
As Russell might not be able to bowl

— Siddhant (@CricSidd) October 15, 2021

Accha hua russell nhi khel raha….Wo aisa player hai jo haari hui bazi kkr ko jeeta skta tha.. aur hum die hard csk fans ye bardasht na kar paate sadma lag jata bc.#KKRvsCSK#CSKvsKKR#IPLFinal

— ◆ ˢᴬᶜᴴᴵᴺ ◆ (@RealSPS) October 15, 2021