'I get goosebumps seeing him': Andre Russell in awe of Rinku Singh after stunning KKR win

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An old decimating version of Andre Russell was pivotal for Kolkata Knight Riders as they got over the line in a crucial match over Punjab Kings on Monday (May 8).

Russell played a fantastic knock of 42 off 23 balls, but was run out in the penultimate delivery. With 2 runs needed off the final ball, Rinku Singh emerged the hero again. The southpaw flicked one for a boundary to win it for the Knight Riders in the last ball.

Rinku Singh remained unbeaten on 21 off just 10 balls for KKR and it is the second time the Aligarh-born batter has won a game for KKR with a boundary or six in the last ball.

Andre Russell was adjudged player of the match, but the Caribbean spoke most of his interview praising Rinku Singh. He reckoned Rinku as a finisher and expressed his robust faith in the Indian player.

"I wanted to finish the game off, but we have a finisher this year in Rinku. (On Rinku) He had told me what if the ball beats you, should we go for the run? I said for sure, I have faith in him to finish it last ball," Russell said.

Rinku Singh has been one of the fairy tale IPL stories. Coming off a humble background, the young batter has taken IPL to storm and the world seems to be his oyster now. And KKR's overseas star says he gets 'goosebumps' watching Rinku's emergence.

"I get goosebumps seeing him doing what he's been doing. I have company at the back end, he soaks the pressure off and he's been here for years now, a really hard-working guy."

"I try to stay as close to him while we are training. Very disciplined guy and a very funny guy. You can't have a dull moment with him. We're good friends," Russell concluded.

KKR, with the win, have climbed to 5th place with 10 points after 11 games. Although they have played one more match than RCB and MI, the Knights will believe their IPL is still far from over.

They face Rajasthan Royals next at the Eden Gardens on Friday (May 11).